5.7K views · 74 reactions | Astronaut Alan B. Shepard, Jr, epitomizes the pioneering spirit of Space Exploration. On May 5, 1961, Shepard etched his name in history as the first American to journey into Space, courageously launching aboard the Freedom 7 Mercury capsule in a trailblazing moment that united the country. ⭐️ https://nationalastronautday.uniphigood.com #WeBelieveInAstronauts #Astronauts #Trailblazers #Icons #Heroes | National Astronaut Day | Facebook

10K views · 501 reactions | #OTD in 1961, Naval aviator Alan Shepard became the first American to travel into space. Graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1944, Shepard became one of the Mercury Seven astronauts in 1959. He would walk on the moon in 1971 as commander of Apollo 14. #NationalAstronautDay | U.S. Naval Institute | Facebook