Thornton D. "TD" Barnes, a multifaceted individual with a background in military intelligence, surface-to-air missile and radar electronics, and aerospace, was born in Dalhart, Texas, and raised on a ranch near Clayton, New Mexico, and Dalhart, Texas. His childhood during World War II instilled a passion for technology exploration, which he carried into adulthood. After completing high school in Oklahoma, 17-year-old Barnes embarked on a ten-year military career, beginning with service in Korea as an intelligence specialist and Germany as a HAWK missile man. During his time in the Army, he honed his missile and radar electronics skills, focusing on countering Soviet threats. He also attended the Artillery Officer Candidate School before a military injury altered his career path.Transitioning to aerospace pursuits, Barnes became involved in significant projects at NASA's High Range in Nevada, contributing to the X-15 program, atomic bomb tests at the Atomic Energy Commission’s Nevada Proving Grounds, and the NERVA nuclear rocket project. He furthered his involvement in secretive projects by participating in the CIA's Mach 3 A-12 Project OXCART and stealth initiatives at Area 51.Beyond his aerospace endeavors, Barnes founded and led an oil and gas exploration company for over four decades, delving into uranium and gold mining ventures. He has dedicated himself to preserving the history of Area 51, serving as president of Roadrunners Internationale and as the Nevada Aerospace Hall of Fame Director Emeritus. His contributions have been featured in documentaries on major networks like the National Geographic Channel, the Discovery Channel, the Fox News Channel, and the History Channel.Barnes is also an accomplished author, with notable works about the Cold War, including "The Secret Genesis of Area 51,” "The CIA Area 51 Chronicles,” and " CIA Station D - Area 51. Currently residing in Henderson, Nevada, he continues to exert influence in aerospace, exploration, and literature, focusing particularly on the formerly highly classified aspects of the CIA’s era at Area 51.Read more about this authorRead less about this author