Wally Schirra

American astronaut (1923–2007)

Walter Marty Schirra Jr. (/ʃɜːrˈɑː/, March 12, 1923 – May 3, 2007) was an American naval aviator, test pilot, and NASA astronaut. In 1959, he became one of the original seven astronauts chosen for Project Mercury.

Walter M. Schirra Jr.
Born
Walter Marty Schirra Jr.

(1923-03-12)March 12, 1923
DiedMay 3, 2007(2007-05-03) (aged 84)
NationalityUnited States
Other namesWally Schirra
Alma materNewark College of Engineering
USNA, B.S. 1945
Occupation(s)Naval aviator, test pilot
Awards
Space career
NASA Astronaut
Rank Captain, USN
Time in space
12d 7h 12m
Selection1959 NASA Group 1
MissionsMercury-Atlas 8
Gemini 6A
Apollo 7
Mission insignia
RetirementJuly 1, 1969

In October 1968, he commanded Apollo 7, an 11-day low Earth orbit shakedown test of the three-man Apollo Command/Service Module and the first crewed launch for the Apollo program.

Schirra died on May 3, 2007, of a heart attack caused by stomach cancer in San Diego, California. He was 84 years old.[1][2]

References

change
  1. Burgess, Colin (2011). Selecting the Mercury Seven. New York: Springer. p. 336. ISBN 978-1-4419-8405-0.
  2. Goldstein, Richard (May 4, 2007). "Walter M. Schirra Jr., Astronaut, Dies at 84". The New York Times. Retrieved March 18, 2018.