Edward Uhler Condon was a distinguished American

United States

The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

 nuclear physicist, a pioneer in quantum mechanics

Quantum mechanics

Quantum mechanics, also known as quantum physics or quantum theory, is a branch of physics providing a mathematical description of much of the dual particle-like and wave-like behavior and interactions of energy and matter. It departs from classical mechanics primarily at the atomic and subatomic...

, and a participant in the development of radar

Radar

Radar is an object-detection system which uses radio waves to determine the range, altitude, direction, or speed of objects. It can be used to detect aircraft, ships, spacecraft, guided missiles, motor vehicles, weather formations, and terrain. The radar dish or antenna transmits pulses of radio...

 and nuclear weapons during World War II

World War II

World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...

.
He was born on March 2, 1902, in Alamogordo, New Mexico

Alamogordo, New Mexico

Alamogordo is the county seat of Otero County and a city in south-central New Mexico, United States. A desert community lying in the Tularosa Basin, it is bordered on the east by the Sacramento Mountains. It is the nearest city to Holloman Air Force Base. The population was 35,582 as of the 2000...

, where his father was supervising the construction of a narrow-gauge railroad. He was raised a Quaker. After graduating from high school in Oakland, California, in 1918, he worked as a journalist for three years at the Oakland Inquirer and other papers.