Fantastic large flown embroidered Gemini 5 mission patch, 4″ in diameter, affixed to a letter of provenance signed in blue ballpoint by Command Pilot Gordon Cooper, in part: "This patch flew in space on the Gemini 5 mission during August 21 to 29, 1965…Gemini 5 was the first flight to have a designed crew mission emblem for the United States space program. The idea for the cover wagon came from a wooden model a family member had whittled. I felt it was the best way to symbolize the pioneering spirit of this early Gemini flight. The '8 days or bust' wording was not added to this run of patches due to a directive from NASA Administrator James Webb. He indicated that flight time short of eight days could be viewed as a mission failure…Our mission completed all eight days and Gemini 5 marked the beginning of the United States lead in manned space exploration." The patch and letter are matted alongside a color satin-finish 7 x 9.5 photo of the GT-5 crew after recovery, signed in blue felt tip, "You need a shave! Charles Conrad, Jr.," and in black felt tip, "Maybe tomorrow! Gordon Cooper." The display measures an overall 19 x 12.5. In fine condition. A historic flown piece representing America's pioneering position in the history of manned spaceflight.
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