Lot #476

Gemini Astronauts

Description

GOODBYE GEMINI, HELLO APOLLO: Fourteen GEMINI astronauts, including six future moonwalkers, thank a NASA staffer who satisfied “some of the more unusual requirements of the program”

TLS, one page, 8 x 10.5, NASA letterhead, no date [circa 1966]. A letter of thanks to William R. Whipkey of NASA’s Technical Services department. In full: “Please accept our sincere appreciation for your assistance and contributions to the Gemini Program. Your rapid response and professional completion of some of the more unusual requirements of the Program have helped seal the success of Gemini with many very important people. With best personal regards and looking forward to working with you on Apollo, we are sincerely….” The letter is signed in various inks by 14, each above his typed name and respective Gemini mission(s): John W. Young (Apollo 16 moonwalker), Gordon Cooper, Wally Schirra, Frank Borman, Neil Armstrong (Apollo 11 moonwalker), Gene Cernan (Apollo 17 moonwalker), R. F. Gordon, Jr., James A. McDivitt, Charles Conrad, Jr. (Apollo 12 moonwalker), Tom Stafford, James Lovell, Dave Scott (Apollo 15 moonwalker), Michael Collins, and Buzz Aldrin (Apollo 11 moonwalker). Mailing fold lightly touching three signatures, otherwise very fine condition. A one-of-a-kind rarity from one of the most exciting phases of America’s program to put a man on the moon! COA Scott Cornish and R&R COA.

Auction Info

• Auction Title:
• Dates: #327 - Ended November 14, 2007