Grissom, Virgil I. ("Gus") 1926-1967

ASTRONAUT

Second American in Space.

Virgil I. Grissom was a key figure in the United States' manned space-flight program. He was among the seven original astronaut trainees for Project Mercury in 1959, and he became the second American to go into space when the Liberty Bell 7 was launched on 21 July 1961 (Alan B. Shepard had been the first on 5 May). Though Grissom's flight exceeded the distance and speed of Shepard's, it experienced a glitch after splashdown when the escape hatch blew prematurely and the capsule filled with water and sank. Grissom managed to escape but was somewhat shaken by the experience.

Distinctions.

Soon thereafter, NASA presented Grissom with its Distinguished Service Medal, and he, along with Shepard, received his astronaut's wings on 7 December 1961. On 15 July 1962 Grissom was promoted to the rank of major, and he received further distinction on 19 July 1962 when he was...

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