August 2019 Auction Ends Thursday, August 29th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/29/2019
Jack Swigert autograph letter signed to his parents just hours after his selection by NASA as part of NASA Astronaut Group 5. With extraordinarily moving content, and accompanied by his resume, Swigert shares the ''GOOD news'' with his parents, adding as an understatement, ''Needless to say I am happy.''
Datelined Southgate, California on ''Wednesday 30 March, 1965'' (mis-dated as the year was 1966), letter reads in full, ''Dear Dad & Mom, The news came today at 1:15 PST in the form of a telephone call from Deke Slayton. It was GOOD news and I was selected in this group. Somehow, the sacrifices, self-denial and discipline now seem to have been all worth while. Needless to say I am happy.
There will be a news release on Monday April 4. Deke suggested that I get in touch with you so that it won't be a complete surprises - if the reporters come around. He gave some guidelines for me and you. - That it would be OK to go into my background. Be cautious of saying much about the selection and selection process - and nothing about the other individuals involved in it. Be cautious about saying anything about the program - for example the time table - when I might fly, what my training schedule would be or other things which I have no knowledge of at this time.
I have enclosed my latest resume [enclosed] to give you some background material. It's just meant for you only - to draw some general facts from.
I wouldn't mention anything about my having been in a previous selection, You can go into detail about my activities on the Paraglider at North American. But about the other projects, don't say they were classified - just say 'he flew on some other projects but we don't know what they were.
About the work at P&W, you might say he was a test pilot there for 7 1/2 years and did flight tests on the whole stable of engines made by Pratt & Whitney.'
I'll call you Sunday and we'll chew it over on the phone. You might talk it over with each other and see if there are any questions.
I will ask that you keep this between you and I until they make the announcement. I'd hate to have it get out and come back to haunt me.
Well, Mama & Papa - it looks like I''m about to start a new career in life. It is something I''m looking forward to - because I think I can make some contribution, however small, to the country's efforts in this field.
Take care of yourselves / My love / Jack.
P.S. Will plan on coming thru Denver for three or four days - probably from about April 22-27. How does that fit in - if at all with your plans. J.''
Two page letter on one sheet is accompanied by Swigert's 4pp. resume with his handwritten annotation at top, ''Mom & Dad - For your eyes only -''. Resume lists Swigert's flight experience in detail, along with his personal information, education, military service and professional experience, listing his positions as an Engineering Test Pilot with North American Aviation, Pratt & Whitney, and the U.S. Air Force. Lot also includes two newspaper clippings from 5-6 April 1966 from local Colorado newspapers. Resume and letter measure 8.5'' x 11'', overall in very good condition with light spotting to the letter.
An extraordinary letter by Swigert, documenting one of the most momentous days of his life, only to be eclipsed by the famed Apollo XIII mission four years later. With an LOA from Swigert's niece.
Jack Swigert Autograph Letter Signed to His Parents the Day of His NASA Selection -- ''the sacrifices, self-denial and discipline now seem to have been all worth while'' -- Also With Swigert's Resume
Click above for larger image.