Alan Shepard

Alan Bartlett Shepard, Jr. (November 18, 1923 – July 21, 1998) (Rear Admiral, USN, Ret.) was the first U.S. astronaut in space, though his first flight was only sub-orbital.

Awards and honors

During his life he was awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor; two NASA Distinguished Service Medals, the NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal, Naval Astronaut Wings, the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, and the Distinguished Flying Cross; recipient of the Langley Award (highest award of the Smithsonian Institution) on May 5, 1964, the Lambert Trophy, the Iven C. Kincheloe Award, the Cabot Award, the Collier Trophy, the City of New York Gold Medal (1971), Achievement Award for 1971.

Related Topics:
Congressional Space Medal of Honor - NASA Distinguished Service Medal - NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal - Naval Astronaut Wings - Navy Distinguished Service Medal - Distinguished Flying Cross - Langley Award - Smithsonian Institution - May 5 - 1964 - Lambert Trophy - Iven C. Kincheloe Award - Cabot Award - Collier Trophy - City of New York Gold Medal - Achievement Award

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Shepard was appointed by the President in July 1971 as a delegate to the 26th United Nations General Assembly and served through the entire assembly which lasted from September to December 1971.

Related Topics:
President - United Nations General Assembly

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Shepard is also remembered for being the only person to play golf on the Moon (using a converted soil sampler as his club).

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