TLS signed “Robert R. Gilruth,” two pages, 7 x 10.5, NASA letterhead, January 2, 1968. Letter to John F. Meek, in part: "Thank you for the opportunity to express our regard for Lt. Col. Virgil I. 'Gus' Grissom, Lt. Col. Edward H. White II, and Lt. Cdr. Roger Chaffee. Their loss is felt keenly here at MSC. Gus Grissom was an excellent test pilot and engineer. His exceptional talents advanced our knowledge of manned space flight with the second manned Mercury flight and the first manned Gemini flight. Ed White was the first of our astronauts to 'walk in space.' The outstanding manner in which he performed his mission pointed the way for further achievements in space and, eventually, on the moon's surface. Roger Chaffee was on the threshold of his first space flight. Although he had not yet flown, he had proved his capabilities in the many important technical tasks to which he was assigned and in the manner in which he accomplished his training requirements. He had gained the full confidence of his more experienced fellow crew members." In fine condition. Accompanied by three modern photos—one of White, and two of the Apollo 1 funeral services—and a fragment of metal from the service structure at Launch Complex 34 affixed to an 8.5 x 11 certificate. From the collection of aerospace memorabilia specialist Ken Havekotte.
