Edward White

Description

(1930 – 67) NASA astronaut. On June 3, 1965, he became the first American to “walk” in space. White died along with fellow astronauts Gus Grissom and Roger Chaffee during a pre-launch test for the first manned Apollo mission at Cape Kennedy.’ ‘Memo from Ed White” stationery, dated ”23 June” (no year, but 1966) and signed ”Ed”. Addressed to NASCAR racer Jim Rathmann, White discusses the upcoming Apollo 1 launch and thanks Rathmann for a recent Indy 500 visit. Almost 6 months to the day of writing this letter, White, along with Apollo 1 astronauts Gus Grissom and Roger Chaffee would die during a launch test, never completing the Apollo 1 mission mentioned in this letter. Reads in full: ”Dear Jim and Kay, I want to thank you for the great time that I had at the Indianapolis ‘500’. The manner in which you arranged for us to see the race was really something. In the short time that I was at the track I really felt I learned a lot about the ‘Big Race’. Please excuse my tardiness in writing, but we have really been on the go getting Apollo 1 ready to fly. Also, please excuse our rapid departure after the race, but we had an appointment in Mass. and were a little concerned about being able to get up to Bunker Hill. I am enclosing some pictures that I thought you might enjoy. We should be moving our spacecraft to the Cape later in the summer for final check out- see you then. Thanks again- Ed”. 2pp. letter measures 6.25” x 7”, with a staple at top left. one fold and light wear. Near fine condition. Rare and desirable.