Lot 14
Mercury Program, 1967, Bill Dana, "First Honorary Astronaut" Plaque (8x12x1") This clear lucite plaque has the emblem of the City of Hampton, Virginia mounted on the surface above a metal plaque that reads: "The Aerospace Society honors Bill Dana who, through his warm and generous humor, has made a significant contribution to the high morale of America's space program. Mr. Dana is therefore commissioned HONORARY ASTRONAUT / Aerospace Park, Hampton,Virginia, Home of the first American astronauts, December 4, 1967, 50th Anniversary, LAFB/NASA".
Bill Dana was presented this plaque at ceremonies observing the 50th Anniversary of Langley Air Force Base and the NASA Research Center by Congressman Thomas Downing (D, VA).
ALSO included is a spiral bound, "Bill Dana First Honorary Astronaut" booklet (10x9") whose title page reads: "A pictorial Record of a Visit by Bill Dana to Norfolk and Hampton, Virginia to be named "First American Astronaut, December 4-5, 1967". This 44pp. booklet contains 40 black and white photos of Bill during his visit and the presentation, and was produced by WAVY-TV, the local NBC television affiliate. A copy of the NBC press release of the presentation is included in the booklet.
Although showing its age, this booklet is in excellent overall condition. As a piece of history, and with the plaque presented to Bill on this historic occasion, it is definitely unique. Bill, and his alter ego, Jose, are honored by inclusion in the Astronaut Hall of Fame and the Smithsonian Institution Air and Space Museum. This plaque was one of the first steps toward his making American space history.
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500.
Ex. the comedian Bill Dana/Jose Jimenez collection.
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