Chris Calle (American, B. 1961) "Astronauts of Apollo 7" Signed lower right. Original Mixed Media painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. Early in life Walter Schirra, Jr. developed an avid interest in aviation that led to distinguished service as a fighter pilot. However, his great fame was to be won in space. In his own words, Walter Schirra entered the space program for the same reason he became a test pilot, "to push out the frontiers." His dream began on April 9, 1959, when he was named one of America's first seven pioneers of space travel. During his distinguished career, he became the first astronaut to fly in three different types of spacecraft -- Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo. His bravery on such missions, like the October 3, 1962, space shot that circled the earth six times, made him a hero all across America. Three years later, he and his partner Thomas Stafford again astounded the world by orbiting the earth sixteen times and performing the first rendezvous in space. The two men guided their craft, Gemini 6, within one foot of Gemini 7; a miraculous feat, far out in the heavens. One of the most outstanding achievements of Walter Schirra's career was circling the earth a spectacular 163 times in Apollo 7. Walter Schirra's leadership on this and other missions helped clear the path for the epic journey to the moon. Image Size: 7 x 6.25 in. Overall Size: 11.25 x 10.25 in. Unframed. (B14936)