Two items relating to the Apollo 1 tragedy, both signed by Walt Cunningham: a commemorative cover with a cachet honoring the crew of Apollo 1, postmarked Cape Canaveral, October 11, 1968, signed in black felt tip, "In memory of the Apollo 1 crew, Walt Cunningham, Backup for Roger Chaffee, Prime Crew Apollo 7"; and an original NASA/Kennedy Space Center press release, issued as "A/S 204 Release #6," one page, 8.5 x 11, January 28, 1967, signed at the conclusion in black ballpoint, "Walt Cunningham, Apollo 1, backup." The release, in part: "We are deeply grieved by the tragedy which cost the Nation the lives of three astronauts…This accident has been especially tragic to the launch team of the Kennedy Space Center whose members have always been close to the flight crews and whose first and overriding concern is the safety and well being of the astronauts. We know that the space program must go forward as indeed it will. We know and we trust American people will understand that adventuring into new frontiers always entails some hazard. That is the creed of the astronaut. To the families of the first Apollo crew, we extend our deepest sympathy. The aspirations and the bravery of these fine men will sustain them and us always." In overall fine condition, with absent lower right corner tip to cover. From the collection of aerospace memorabilia specialist Ken Havekotte.
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