MOON SHOT

Inscribed & signed on the title page by

Rear Admiral Alan Shephard

First American in Space
Apollo 14 Commander
Fifth and oldest Moonwalker

Turner Publishing. First edition, third printing 1994. 383 pages and very well illustrated with photos. Alan Shepard moon shot

Fine condition hardback book with blue boards, silver titles and black endpapers.  Fine condition unclipped dustjacket. A very smart copy. There is an additional inscription opposite the title page from one of the book’s co-authors, aerospace writer Howard Benedict, which reads: To Al & Donna Findlay. May you enjoy reading about those great adventures as much as I have enjoyed observing and writing about them for more than three decades. Howard Benedict.

“Moon Shot” is a captivating account of the space race, offering a unique perspective from two of NASA’s original Mercury astronauts. The book provides an intimate look at the challenges, triumphs, and personal experiences of the astronauts involved in the Apollo missions. Shepard and Slayton’s first hand accounts, combined with engaging storytelling, make this a compelling read.  The narrative is both informative and inspiring, shedding light on the dedication and bravery required to achieve one of humanity’s greatest accomplishments. Alan Shepard moon shot

Alan Bartlett Shepard Jr. was born in 1923, graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 1944 and served in the Pacific during World War II. After the war, Shepard became a naval aviator and later a test pilot. In 1959, he was selected as one of NASA’s original seven astronauts for the Mercury program.

On 5th May 1961, Shepard made history as the first American to travel into space aboard the Freedom 7 spacecraft. His 15-minute suborbital flight reached an altitude of 116 miles, making him a national hero. Shepard’s career faced a setback in 1964 when he was diagnosed with Ménière’s disease, an inner ear disorder that grounded him from spaceflight. However, after successful surgery in 1969, he returned to active status.

In 1971, Shepard commanded the Apollo 14 mission, becoming the fifth and oldest person to walk on the Moon at the age of 47. During this mission, he famously hit two golf balls on the lunar surface. Shepard retired from NASA and the Navy in 1974 as a rear admiral. He passed away in 1998, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneering astronaut and a symbol of American space exploration.

Deke Slayton played a pivotal role in the early days of the U.S. space program. Although grounded due to a heart condition, Slayton’s contributions were far-reaching. He served as NASA’s Director of Flight Crew Operations, overseeing astronaut selection and training. In 1975, after being medically cleared, he flew on the historic Apollo-Soyuz Test Project, the first international space mission.  He passed away in 1993, before this book’s publication.

A fabulous book for anyone interested in the Space Race, enhanced by a very collectable moonwalker signature.