DS, signed “Walter M. Schirra, Jr.,” one page both sides, 8 x 10, July 10, 1961. Official Department of the Navy temporary appointment of Schirra as “a Commander,” signed in fountain pen by Schirra as well as Chief of Staff O. R. Cole, Jr., and Flag Secretary L. A. Hibson, Jr. Also includes a cover letter signed in autopen by Secretary of the Navy John B. Connally. In fine condition. Schirra had graduated from the US Naval Academy at Annapolis in 1945, when he was commissioned as an officer and served aboard the USS Alaska in the final months of World War II. He then served as a fighter pilot during the Korean War, followed by time as a military flight instructor and test pilot. He became one of the 110 military test pilots selected as astronaut candidates in 1959, ultimately passing the grueling testing and training processes to become one of NASA’s famed Mercury Seven. From the collection of aerospace memorabilia specialist Ken Havekotte. Pre-certified Zarelli Space Authentication.
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