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Education: B.S., U.S. Naval Academy, 1944Spaceflights: Pilot, Mercury-Redstone 3 (1961). Commander, Apollo 14 (1971)
Was pilot of Mercury-Redstone 3 (Freedom 7) (first American in space), and backup pilot for Mercury-Atlas 9. Was subsequently grounded due to an inner ear ailment until May 7, 1969 (during which time he served as chief of the Astronaut Office). Commanded Apollo 14 (fifth man to walk on the Moon), and in June 1971 resumed duties as chief of the Astronaut Office.
Retired from NASA and the Navy on August 1, 1974, to join the Marathon Construction Company of Houston, Texas, as partner and chairman. He was also President of Seven-Fourteen Enterprises in Houston.
Mr. Shepard passed away on July 21, 1998 at age 74.
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