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Original March 12, 1973 NASA Apollo 17 appreciation letter from Donald K. “Deke” Slayton, Director of Flight Crew Operations, accompanied by its embroidered Apollo 17 mission patch.
The letter is addressed personally to “Dale” (Lawrence Dale Blackshear), a NASA employee who contributed to the Apollo space program.
Issued on official NASA Manned Spacecraft Center letterhead in Houston, Texas, the letter recognizes Dale\'s contribution to the successful completion of the Apollo program following Apollo 17, the final crewed lunar landing mission.
Slayton explains that the Apollo 17 patch is being presented as a token of appreciation on behalf of the Apollo astronauts and management team.
The letter bears Slayton\'s signature. The signature has not been independently authenticated as personally handwritten.
Included:
- Original NASA letter dated March 12, 1973
- Embroidered Apollo 17 mission patch
- Original NASA employee recipient provenance
- Apollo 17 Cernan, Evans and Schmitt mission insignia
Both pieces are from the personal NASA collection of Lawrence Dale Blackshear.
Vintage condition with age-related discoloration and handling wear to the letter. Patch appears well preserved. Please review all photographs for condition.
An appealing piece of Apollo-era NASA history documenting recognition of an employee\'s contribution to America\'s lunar exploration program.
Both the original letter and patch pictured are included.
