One-of-a-kind collection of twelve vintage official color glossy 8 x 10 NASA photos of the astronauts dressed in jackets and ties, each signed and inscribed in ink or felt tip to the former physical trainer of the astronauts, Joe Garino, with each moonwalker adding a nice personal sentiment. From the earliest days of the space program, Garino worked with members of the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo crews, getting them in top physical condition to meet the grueling physical challenges ahead of them. As Physical Condition Supervisor for NASA, Garino trained astronauts in his gym at NASA's Manned Spacecraft Center, now known as the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center. All photos bear “A Kodak Paper” watermarks on the reverse, and eight are of the ‘red-numbered’ variety.
Signers and inscriptions are as follows: Neil Armstrong, “To Joe—It’s a pleasure to work with someone who looks out for me more than I do myself—Thanks—Neil”; Buzz Aldrin, “Many thanks Joe for all the help. The kids and I sure do appreciate it, Buzz”; Charles Conrad, “To Joe, with best wishes, Charles Conrad, Jr., If Joe doesn’t get it for me—it’s not worth having—Pete”; Alan Bean, “To Joe—You are devoted to keeping us all physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight—A most difficult task—Keep at it, Alan Bean”; Alan Shepard, “To Joe Garino, warmest personal regards and appreciation for the dedicated efforts, Alan B. Shepard, Jr., 10/2/63”; Edgar Mitchell, “Joe—Thanks for the help. Keep pushing. We need it, Ed Mitchell”; Dave Scott, “To Joe Garino with best personal regards and many thanks for keeping the program in shape—Your efforts and contributions are sincerely appreciated by all of us, Dave Scott”; Jim Irwin, “To my old classmate Joe, Best wishes, Jim Irwin”; John Young, “To Joe, With every best wish to the world’s greatest Cumshaw artist, John”; Charlie Duke, “To Joe, Best of luck and many thanks for taking off all the pounds and keeping me in shape. Charlie Duke, Jr.”; Harrison Schmitt, “Best wishes to Joe! Jack Schmitt”; and Gene Cernan, “Joe, Thanks for your friendship, your help, and your everlasting competition! With very warm personal regards, Gene Cernan.”
In overall fine condition, a few signatures a shade or two light and a speck of surface loss to the Shepard photo. An increasingly difficult set to assemble and a nice set of the formally dressed astronauts with direct association to the astronaut program. Pre-certified Zarelli Space Authentication.
This item is Pre-Certified by STEVE ZARELLI
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