Description:

Apollo 11
[Houston, TX], August 8, 1969
Important Apollo 11 TLS - "Man has set foot on another 'planet' within our solar system and the world will never by the same" - Just 3 Weeks After Moon-Landing!
TLS

A 1p typed letter signed by Dr. Charles A. "Chuck" Berry (1923-2020) in his role as NASA's Director of Medical Research and Operations, as "Charles A. Berry M.D." at lower right. August 8, 1969. [Houston, Texas.] On a leaf of lightweight stationery with "National Aeronautics and Space Administration / Manned Spacecraft Center / Houston, Texas 77058" letterhead, complete with the NASA seal at upper left. Dr. Berry has crossed out the typed salutation and replaced it with a manuscript "Ed." Near pristine. 8" x 10.5."

Dr. Berry wrote this thank-you letter to his colleague
Edward L. Michel (1926-2007), the Deputy Chief of Biomedical Research, Laboratories Division, at the Manned Spacecraft Center (better known by its name after 1973: the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center.)

A large portion of this letter so rich in Apollo 11 content has been reproduced below:

"The Apollo 11 mission represents the successful completion of a ten-year effort…

Man has set foot on another 'planet' within our solar system and the world will never be the same. We cannot but realize that all of the frantic activity on this orbiting globe we call the earth must be viewed in the perspective of the universe and assumes somewhat less importance than we have previously given it. The magnificent achievement of Apollo 11 would not have been possible without the dedicated effort and sacrifice of each of you in this Directorate… The result of no other individual mission could so make the point of the importance of man as did the footprints now left on the surface of the moon. The concern, worry, intelligent analysis, and projection of all of you have led to the most significant medical support ever provided an enterprise where man was involved. We are a small Directorate with much required of each individual, and this has meant long hours and difficult deadlines for all of you…

I deem it a high honor to have been associated with you in the support of this historic mission. I am deeply proud of the individual and team effort which you have displayed. NASA, our country, and mankind share this pride and gratitude…"

The Apollo 11 mission, comprised of Commander Neil Armstrong (1930-2012), Command Module Pilot Michael Collins (1930-2021), and Lunar Module Pilot Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin (born 1930), spent 8 days in orbit, between July 16-July 24, 1969. Armstrong's and Aldrin's July 20, 1969 moon walk was only the triumphant culmination of a very productive space mission. While on the moon, the astronauts took photographs; placed a TV camera, American flag, and plaque on the surface; collected geological samples; set up seismic and laser experiments; and even received a celebratory phone call from President Nixon. The astronauts' vitals were monitored from Earth by Dr. Berry and other NASA scientists.

Dr. Charles A. Berry, the "astronauts' doctor," was one of NASA's first doctors specializing in aerospace medicine. His 25-year-long career at NASA (1959-1974) included serving as Chief of Medical Operations, and then as Director of Medical Research and Operations during the Apollo XI space program. From 1962-1971, Dr. Berry served at Chief Physician at the Manned Spacecraft Center (future LBJ Space Center.) Dr. Berry played a critical role in astronaut selection, testing astronaut candidates in spaceflight simulations to see if they were physically and psychologically prepared for orbit conditions. In this role, Dr. Berry selected 42 astronauts -- including the original Mercury Seven -- who later participated in 30 different space missions during the Golden Age of American space exploration. Dr. Berry closely monitored the astronauts during every phase of their flights, and provided them with intensive and wholistic medical care.

Dr. Berry's letter recipient, Edward L. Michel, was a U.S. Navy veteran who received his Master's degree in Physiology from the University of Notre Dame. Michel served as a physiologist at NASA for 30 years, during the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, and Space Shuttle programs.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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