Impressive group lot of four signed items related to the oceanic recovery of the Apollo 11 crew by the Essex-class aircraft carrier USS Hornet, including: a rare Department of Defense certificate, 11 x 8.5, presented to Kenneth H. Hoback, who “served in support of Department of Defense operations during the Apollo XI mission, the first Moon landing flight in July 1969," signed in the lower left corner in black felt tip, "Neil Armstrong," "Buzz Aldrin," and "Michael Collins"; a Helmsman Qualification certificate, 8 x 10.25, presented to Kenneth H. Hoback for having steered the USS Hornet “for a total of 50 hours,” dated October 10, 1968, signed and inscribed in black ink, "Best wishes to Kenny Hoback—Neil Armstrong" and "Buzz Aldrin"; a color glossy 8 x 10 cardstock photo of Armstrong posing in his white space suit against a lunar background, signed and inscribed in black ballpoint, "To Kenny & 'The Hornet,' Neil Armstrong"; and a color 11 x 17 print for the USS Hornet Museum event 'Splashdown! Celebrating the 35th Anniversary of Apollo 11 & 12,” held aboard the USS Hornet between July 16-25, 2004, signed in black ballpoint, “Alan Bean, Apollo 12,” as well as by Hoback, a crew member of the Hornet, and a NASA team leader. In overall fine condition. Hoback was at the helm of the USS Hornet when the time arrived to recover the Apollo 11 astronauts from the Pacific Ocean at sunrise on July 24, 1969. As the quartermaster, Hoback was tasked with steering the Hornet alongside the floating capsule after splashdown, some 900 miles southwest of Hawaii. Accompanied by a letter of commendation to Hoback from his commanding officer, a smaller handbill for the USS Hornet celebration, and two full letters of authenticity from PSA/DNA.
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