Showing his appreciation for one whose singular efforts made possible his historic journey to the Moon, Alan Bean sent this typed letter to Harold G. Collins of the Kennedy Space Center Mission Support Office. In 1969, Bean served as the lunar module pilot on Apollo 12 for the second lunar landing, and became the fourth person to walk on the Moon. Typed on NASA letterhead and dated March 7, 1973, Bean’s message reads, “It doesn’t seem like very long ago that Pete Conrad, Dick Gordon, and I were working with you closely prior to our flight of Apollo 12. Believe me, you made the preparation a much happier event by handling the myriad details and day-to-day decisions that had to be made at that time. To go to the moon takes many thousands of people who are dedicated and who will sacrifice their own personal happiness for the overall success of the mission. I personally feel that you contributed more than anyone could ask to be contributed by another yet you did it freely and with enthusiasm. I know that those of us who worked with you landing men on the moon will never forget you for the rest of our lives. We were all fortunate to be part of the Apollo program.” Clearly, the selfless message is resplendent with historic content from one of the most significant lunar voyages achieved by NASA—Bean, along with Conrad and Gordon, performed several tests atop the lunar surface and even installed the first nuclear generator as a source of power—and the famed astronaut makes more personal the considerate note by signing, “Alan.” The well-kept letter exhibits fine condition with staple holes along its left edge, and light show-through from tape remnants on the reverse. JSA/Scott Cornish Auction LOA and RRAuction COA.
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