Flown American flag carried on the Apollo 17 mission, 5.75 x 4, affixed to a 13.75 x 10.75 presentation certificate stating, "This flag was carried to the Moon aboard the spaceship America, Apollo XVII, December 7-19, 1972," and presented to Keith K. Kundel, a remote site Capsule Communicator (CAPCOM) during Project Gemini, "In recognition of your outstanding contribution to the manned space flight program." Certificate also bears a printed signature of Christopher Kraft and a presentation date of February 1981. Framed to an overall size of 14.75 x 11.75. In very good to fine condition, with usual adhesive-related toning to the flag.
As CAPCOM, Kundel (1934-2019) was the communication link between Flight Controllers at NASA Mission Control Center and the astronauts onboard the Gemini spacecraft. He served in this capacity on NASA remote sites in Carnarvon, Australia, the Canary Islands, and on the RKV (Rose Knot Victor) tracking ship. He had this responsibility for every one of the Gemini missions. During the Apollo Program he was Payload Commander for the Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package (ALSEP), and he continued to monitor, control, and compile data from the stations on the lunar surface for many years after man left the surface of the moon. He also served as a PAYDAT (Payload Data Engineer) during early Space Shuttle flights.
