Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
(800) 937-3880
SELL

Lot #6095
Alan Shepard Signed Letter of Recommendation

“He supervised the preparation of America’s first spaceship”

This lot has closed

Estimate: $500+
Sell a Similar Item?
Share:  

Description

“He supervised the preparation of America’s first spaceship”

TLS signed “Alan B. Shepard, Jr.,” one page, 8 x 10.5, no date but circa 1963. Letter of recommendation for Guenter Wendt. In part: “These opinions were formed on the basis of my association with Mr. Wendt during the time he was employed by McDonnell Aircraft Company at Cape Canaveral, Florida. His position at the tie of our association, 1961 and 1962, was that of Engineering Foreman in charge of launch preparation of manned and unmanned Project Mercury spacecraft…The success of Project Mercury flights is history. This success could only come with dedicated effort, correct engineering procedures, and proper management. Mr. Wendt has the ability to perform in all three areas in an outstanding manner. His participation during our association was responsible to a very high degree for the successful launchings of Redstone and Atlas powered spacecraft…He supervised the preparation of America’s first spaceship, and was the last person to inspect and approve its condition prior to launch. I was the pilot of this vehicle. I had complete confidence in the decisions made by Mr. Wendt prior to launch. Perhaps the highest compliment I can pay is to express my willingness to have him supervise the preparation of the next or any vehicle which I may fly in the future.” In fine condition. Accompanied by two related items: a diagram of the Mercury spacecraft, signed on the reverse by Wendt and stamped as being from his personal collection; and a card from a reunion event honoring the first American in space. The Guenter Wendt Collection, ex. Ken Havekotte. Pre-certified Zarelli Space Authentication.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Space And Aviation Auction
  • Dates: #474 - Ended April 21, 2016





This item is Pre-Certified by STEVE ZARELLI
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for $35.00

*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.