[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 101 (Friday, July 24, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1419]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E1419]]



                TRIBUTE TO THE LATE ADMIRAL ALAN SHEPARD

                                 ______
                                 

                    HON. F. JAMES SENSENBRENNER, JR.

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 23, 1998

  Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Speaker, we are saddened to learn of the 
passing of one of America's great pioneers, Rear Admiral Alan Shepard. 
Admiral Shepard leaves an enduring legacy of heroism, perseverance, and 
dedication to the exploration of space ad service to his country.
  Admiral Shepard served as a Navy fighter pilot and test pilot before 
being selected as one of the first group of astronauts in 1959. As the 
commander of Freedom 7, Admiral Shepard became the first American to 
venture into space.
  Following his historic flight, Admiral Shepard was told he would 
never fly into space again. But he would not be deterred. Ten years 
later, he commanded Apollo 14 and was the fifth American--the fifth 
person--to walk on the Moon.
  Those who have worked with Admiral Shepard in both the formulation of 
space policy and oversight of America's space program came to 
appreciate his wise counsel and fine wit as he educated us on the 
complex issues involved. I am confident that his contributions to 
America's space program will not be forgotten by his countrymen.
  Admiral Shepard also served his country outside of the cockpit. 
Following his retirement from NASA and the U.S. Navy in 1974, he 
brought his determination and leadership to down-to-Earth goals, 
becoming a successful businessman and raising money for college 
scholarships so young Americans could grow up to become scientists and 
engineers. He was on the Board of Directors for both the Houston School 
for Deaf Children and the National Space Institute.
  This afternoon, Admiral Shepard's spacecraft, ``Freedom 7'' will 
arrive at the National Air and Space Museum where it will be on display 
in remembrance of not only his historic first flight into space, but of 
the lasting contributions of this great American to his country.
  And now, Admiral Shepard has joined his fellow crewman of Apollo 14--
the late Stuart Roosa--and we wish him fair winds and following seas, 
and offer our condolences to his wife Louise, and his daughters Laura, 
Alice and Julie.

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