Project Mercury Monument Dedication Folder, Photographs and Medal Presented to Bernard Hohmann. The Project Mercury monument was constructed by General Dynamics, the major contractor for the Atlas space launch vehicles used for the first manned orbital flights, and was dedicated near Atlas complex 14 on November 10, 1964. Principal feature of the stainless steel monument is a 13-foot-high astronomical symbol for the planet Mercury with the number 7 in the center of the symbol representing the nation's seven original astronauts - Carpenter, Cooper, Glenn, Grissom, Schirra, Shepard and Slayton. At the base of the monument is a bronze tablet bearing the commemorative inscription and a bronze medallion with the faces of the seven original astronauts appearing in high relief. Smaller copies of this medallion were made and presented to congressional, government and industry leaders who performed extraordinary roles in the success of the initial U.S. man-in-space orbital program.
The medallion is made by the Medallic Art Co. of New York, with the faces of the original first Seven Astronauts. On the reverse, at left, is the Project Mercury symbol based on the 13 foot stainless steel monument and the inscription: COMMEMORATING / FREE MAN'S / FIRST ADVENTURE / BEYOND THE / ATMOSPHERE / 1958-1963. Stamped on the edge is "Medallic Art Co. NY. Fine Silver" and the number "14" on the top edge. It is housed in its original case, which can be seen in the picture with Bernard Hohmann.
Estimated Value $600 - 1,500
From the Estate of Bernard "Ben" Hohmann, WWII Luftwaffe German Test Pilot and Jet Engine Designer, Operation Paperclip, Decades Long Air Force and NASA Consultant.
Aerospace
