Description
First edition of The Roger B. Chaffee Story, On Course To The Stars, inscribed by his father, Don Chaffee and President Gerald R. Ford.
Octavo, xvi, [15]-155pp. Blue cloth, title in silver gilt on spine. Stated “first edition” on copyright page. In publisher’s dust jacket, light shelf wear, bright illustrations, retail price on front flap. Signed twice by President Gerald R. Ford with a long inscription. Also signed by Don Chaffee, father of astronaut Roger Chaffee. An exceptional association copy, with both Chaffee and Ford being from Grand Rapids, members of the same boy scout troop, and Ford leading the honors for the fallen astronaut after the Apollo I disaster.
Inscription from President Gerald R. Ford reads: “From its inception in the post W.W.II era, I was interested in and involved with the Space Program, both the military and civilian aspects. As a member of the House Committee on Appropriations and the House Select Committee on Space, I had full knowledge of how our program developed. I always believed in + full supported the Space Effort because I fully appreciated the benefits to all mankind and especially the U.S.A. Gerald R. Ford.” Inscription from Don Chaffee: “The Space Program deserves a tremendious [sic] amount of credit for showing the world how human effort can be applied to achieve a common goal. We have had the will to go this far in space and the many things we have leaned and acquired can be and must be applied to our problems here on earth. Don L. Chaffee. 4/24/72.”
