Axel Roth was born in Darmstadt, Germany, on October 25, 1936. He was the son of Ludwig Roth, an original member, of the German Rocket Team. Survived WWII, RAF bombing of rocket development facility at Peenemünde, Germany, August 17–18, 1943, known as Operation Crossbow. Arrived in the US in New York City, NY in 1946, a year after his father arrived there as part of Operation Paperclip, aboard a converted troop transport. Moved to Ft. Bliss, TX. Moved to Huntsville, AL in 1950 when the German Rocket Team was relocated to Redstone Arsenal, AL.