[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 93 (Monday, June 11, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1252]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


HONORING ASTRONAUT WALTER MARTY SCHIRRA, AND EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON 
                              HIS PASSING

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 6, 2007

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 
446, to honor and recognize the life of astronaut Walter Marty Schirra, 
and to express condolences on his passing. Walter Marty Schirra passed 
away in La Jolla, CA, at the age of 84.
  The American community is sad to have lost one of its original space 
trailblazer--a true pioneer in both innovation and discovery. In 
attempting to place men in space, Schirra was chosen to serve as one of 
the original Mercury 7 astronauts for Project Mercury. Serving as an 
astronaut and naval officer, Schirra became the first man to fly on all 
three of our Nation's space programs--Apollo 7, Gemini VI-A, and 
Mercury 8 (Sigma 7). Prior to his passing, ``Astronaut Wally Schirra'' 
logged a total of 4577 hours of flight time, with 295 of those being in 
space. Additionally, he performed 267 landings in an aircraft carrier.
  His lifetime of achievement also included a decorated record of 
service in the United States Military. He flew 90 combat missions in F-
84E jets, as well as downing at least one MIG fighter, while serving as 
an exchange pilot with the 154th Fighter Bomber Squadron during the 
Korean War. His courage and valor was eventually recognized with three 
distinguishing flying crosses, two air medals, two NASA Distinguished 
Services Medals, and induction into the National Aviation Hall of Fame.
  Mr. Speaker, Wally Schirra serves as a positive role model and an 
asset to the space community. Schirra was an accomplished astronaut 
whose personal and professional career was filled with positive 
milestones and accomplishments. Schirra always rejected mediocrity by 
rejecting to conform to commonplace expectations. Schirra pushed the 
limits of 2 discovery and was determined to work harder and go farther 
than anyone before him.
  Despite his numerous accomplishments, which ranged from educational 
attainment, military awards, hall of fame inductions, activeness in 
diverse clubs and organizations, as well as experiences, his humility 
was one of his most endearing traits. Although he was a great asset to 
the space industry, he assumed a very modest character.
  As one of the few and profound trailblazers ever known to the United 
States Naval Academy, NASA, and the space community, he has helped pave 
the way for much of our knowledge about the operations of the space 
system. As a Member who represents many NASA-employed constituents and 
as a strong supporter of the expansion of our space programs, I 
understand the important role that Schirra played in advancing our 
scientific explorations in space.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
enormous contributions that late astronaut Walter Marty Schirra has 
made in the space industry and beyond, while also expressing 
condolences for his passing.

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