14668 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 11 June 6, 2007 more than 40 years and continues to encour- and Jean Hixson—all surpassed society’s ex- first attempted rendezvous by two manned age women to participate in the area of space pectations of rejections, by proving that al- spacecraft in earth orbit; exploration. though women are typically smaller and lighter Whereas on October 11, 1968, he concluded H. Res. 421 is an important way to help his third and final mission when he was than men, women are still fit to be good occu- launched as commander of , the first young women understand the importance of pants in cramped space vehicles. These manned Apollo mission, making Commander space and science. women attempted the dream that many others Schirra the only to fly aboard As of today, there have been 34 women in only dreamed of—flying the newest and the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo spacecrafts; space, and although this is a great accom- fastest craft. Whereas Commander Schirra was the re- plishment, there should be more. Mr. Speaker, though few Americans know cipient of many distinguished awards, in- It is my hope that this resolution encourages the names of the 13 women trailblazers, their cluding three distinguished flying crosses, girls to pursue what they may feel is impos- valiant attempts to earn the opportunity to fly two air medals, two NASA Distinguished sible. Services Medals and induction into the Na- a spacecraft call for worldwide recognition. Be- tional Aviation Hall of Fame; The ‘‘’’ continue to inspire cause of the secrecy of the test programs, Whereas after he retired to in women of all ages to go above and beyond, these women never received the recognition 1984, Wally dedicated much of his later years so that they can fulfill their dreams. The sac- for their accomplishments, which laid that crit- to working with children on connecting rifices of these women deserve to be honored. ical groundwork for women who have reached them to the amazing possibilities that a ca- Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of . Mr. and those who are seeking to reach the skies. reer on space exploration could provide, and Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. We can show our gratitude and appreciation as a tireless advocate for discovery, Wally 421, a resolution to honor the achievements of for these women trailblazers by honoring them was an inspirational figure for countless San Diegans; and women in space exploration. with the passing of this bill. In the 1960s, a courageous group of women Whereas Commander Schirra was an exem- As a representative of the 18th Congres- plary resident of the State of challenged themselves, and the stereotypes of sional District of Texas, home to an integral where he resided in La Jolla until the time our Nation, to become the First Lady Astro- number of space exploration projects, centers, of his death on May 2, 2007: Now, therefore, naut Trainees. businesses, and constituents employed in the be it These women were all accomplished pilots space industry, I strongly support legislation Resolved, That the House of Representa- with a dream to explore the unknown. that seeks to inspire, motivate and recognize tives— Thirteen of these women—‘‘the Mercury those individuals who assist with the improve- (1) honors the life and accomplishments of Astronaut Walter Marty Schirra and ex- 13’’—were chosen to be part of America’s ment and advancement of space exploration. space team, breaking boundaries with their presses condolences on his passing; and Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to (2) recognizes the profound importance of passion and determination. join me in supporting H. Res. 421 to honor the Astronaut Schirra’s record as a pioneer in Though the program was discontinued be- trailblazing accomplishments of the 13 female space exploration and long-time contributor fore these women could actually fly in space, pilots of Mercury 13. to NASA’s mission as a catalyst to space ex- they paved the way for future female astro- Mr. WU. Mr. Speaker, I yield back ploration and scientific advancement in the nauts through their hard work and relentless the balance of my time. . efforts. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Finally, NASA got the message and began question is on the motion offered by ant to the rule, the gentleman from Or- recruiting women again, starting with the class the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. WU) egon (Mr. WU) and the gentleman from of 1978 and culminating in the first that the House suspend the rules and Florida (Mr. FEENEY) each will control American woman in space in 1983. agree to the resolution, H. Res. 421. 20 minutes. Without the efforts of the Mercury 13, The question was taken; and (two- The Chair recognizes the gentleman women with skills and interest in science and thirds being in the affirmative) the from Oregon. exploration would have had a much tougher rules were suspended and the resolu- GENERAL LEAVE time breaking through gender barriers. tion was agreed to. Mr. WU. Mr. Speaker, I ask unani- The Mercury 13 women saw roadblocks as A motion to reconsider was laid on mous consent that all Members have 5 challenges to overcome. the table. legislative days to revise and extend I hope that all of the young women in my f their remarks and to include extra- district and across America may be inspired to neous material on H. Res. 446, the reso- HONORING ASTRONAUT WALTER make change by their example. lution now under consideration. MARTY SCHIRRA AND EXPRESS- Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to sup- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there ING CONDOLENCES ON HIS PASS- port this important resolution. objection to the request of the gen- ING Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, tleman from Oregon? I rise in support of H. Res. 421, to honor the Mr. WU. Mr. Speaker, I move to sus- There was no objection. trailblazing accomplishments of the ‘‘Mercury pend the rules and agree to the resolu- Mr. WU. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 13’’ women, whose efforts in the early 1960s tion (H. Res. 446) honoring the life and such time as I may consume. demonstrated the capabilities of American accomplishments of Astronaut Walter Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor women to undertake the human exploration of Marty Schirra and expressing condo- the life and accomplishments of one of space. lences on his passing. our heroes of the American space pro- The 13 women who participated in this pro- The Clerk read the title of the resolu- gram, astronaut Walter Schirra, known gram demonstrated the willingness and capa- tion. as Wally Schirra. In his 84 years, span- bility that women all around the world, past The text of the resolution is as fol- ning 1923 to 2007, Captain Schirra took and present, possess, and in many cases lows: great risks on behalf of his country, in- must possess to overcome an indictment of H. RES. 446 cluding while serving in the Pacific sexism and discrimination that our society Whereas Walter Schirra was born on March during World War II. often presents. Although their participation in 12, 1923, in Hackensack, ; b 1120 these tests and trials yielded no concrete re- Whereas as an exchange pilot with the sults, the 13 women trailblazers ought to be 154th Fighter Bomber Squadron during the During the , Captain recognized for having endured and overcome Korean War, he flew 90 combat missions in Schirra served our country as an ex- such grueling physical, medical and psycho- F–84E jets and was credited with downing at change pilot with the 154th Fighter logical astronautical fitness examinations. least one MIG fighter; Bomber Squadron and flew 90 combat These 13 women—Jerri Cobb, Wally Funk, Whereas on October 3, 1962, Walter Schirra missions and downed at least one MIG became the fifth person to fly in space when fighter. Irene Leverton, Myrtle ‘‘K’’ Cagle, Jane B. he piloted Mercury 8 (Sigma 7) on a six-orbit Hart, Gene Nora Stumbough (Jessen), Jerri mission lasting 9 hours, 13 minutes and 11 In April of 1959, Wally Schirra was se- Sloan (Truhill), Rhea Hurrle (Woltman), Sarah seconds; lected by NASA as one of the original Gorelick (Ratley), Bernice ‘‘B’’ Trimble Stead- Whereas on , 1965, Walter Mercury 7 astronauts. On October 3, man, Jan Dietrich, and the late Marlon Dietrich Schirra piloted in what was the 1962, he became the third American to

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:29 May 17, 2010 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0687 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR07\H06JN7.000 H06JN7 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with BOUND RECORD June 6, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 11 14669 orbit the Earth when he piloted his Apollo spacecrafts. He was named one a MIG or two on the side. He obviously Sigma 7 spacecraft on a six-orbit mis- of NASA’s original Mercury 7 astro- went into the with a lot of sion that lasted 9 hours 13 minutes and nauts in April of 1959 and became the accomplishments. 11 seconds. fifth American to fly into space. Then, Being the only individual to fly in all As a brand new American who had as the commander of the Gemini 6A three of the first stages of manned just been in this country for a year and spacecraft, he completed a dramatic space flight for America was unique, about 8 years old, I remember that, and rendezvous in space with the but I think, as was pointed out before, I just remember that as one of the sig- spacecraft. Wally is a man that filled in so often nal moments that I indeed had come to Schirra then served as commander of when others might have hesitated. a country where anything and every- the Apollo 7 mission, which was the After the terrible disaster of losing thing was possible, and Wally Schirra first Apollo flight after the cata- astronauts in a major fire, he did not and others of the Mercury 7 group dem- strophic 1967 launch pad fire that killed hesitate to look forward to being the onstrated that to America and to the the original crew. At the con- first to step back into those capsules world. clusion of the Apollo 7 mission, Schirra and move on and move up with our Wally Schirra went on to pilot the had logged 295 hours and 15 minutes in space race. That kind of bravery we Gemini 6A mission in 1965, which in- space. didn’t really take into consideration at volved the first attempted rendezvous Before his service with NASA, Wally the time. What a huge challenge it by two manned spacecraft in Earth Schirra had already served his country must have been to explain to your wife, orbit, and he made his third and final with honor as a pilot in the 154th ‘‘Honey, I am going to get in this cap- mission in October, 1968, as commander Fighter Bomber Squadron during the sule. Somebody has to do it, and I will of the first manned Apollo mission, Korean War. Schirra flew over 90 com- be the one.’’ We don’t think about that Apollo 7. bat missions in F–84E jets and was family, that personal aspect of being a During his career as an astronaut, credited with downing at least one hero and moving forward with those Wally Schirra was the only astronaut enemy MIG fighter. kinds of accomplishments. to fly aboard all three generations of What is perhaps less well-known I also would like to say that we for- our late sixties-early seventies space- about Wally Schirra is his personal get that, without the docking proce- craft, the Mercury, the Gemini and warmth, his contagious sense of humor dure that Wally was able to master, Apollo spacecraft. His outstanding and his tireless dedication as an advo- there was not going to be any trip to the moon. It was an essential compo- service to the U.S. space program is cate for discovery. After his retirement nent, as important as any missile, any marked by several awards, including in 1984, he spent many years working rocket, any control system. The ability the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air to inspire children to pursue their for man to dock with another spaceship Force Medal, NASA Distinguished dreams by connecting them to the was an essential part, and Wally was a Service Medal, and induction into the amazing possibilities of space explo- major part of that. National Aviation Hall of Fame. ration. But I want to thank all my col- Wally Schirra was a tireless advocate Schirra captured the pride of our en- leagues for supporting this bill. Wally for discovery and spent his later years tire Nation when he wrote, ‘‘We shared was our neighbor, he was our friend, helping to connect children with the a common dream to test the limits of and he really did live a life that San amazing possibilities that a career in man’s imagination and daring. Those Diegans are proud of in public service. space exploration can offer. early pioneering flights of Mercury, the He spent his later years working with Mr. Speaker, today, I seek the sup- performances of Gemini and the trips the local museums for flight history, port of this Chamber to honor the life to the moon established us, once and and he also spent a lot of time on his and accomplishments of astronaut for, all as what I like to call a sailboat in San Diego. Wally Schirra, to express condolences spacefaring nation. Like England, But I want to thank all of you, be- on his passing, and to recognize the Spain and Portugal crossing the seas in cause Wally was not just a hero to the profound importance of astronaut search of their nations’ greatness, so world and to America; he was a neigh- Schirra’s record as a space pioneer and we reached for the skies and bor and a friend to those of us in San a long-time contributor to NASA’s emboldened our Nation.’’ Diego. mission of space exploration, scientific I am deeply saddened by Wally Mr. WU. Mr. Speaker, I continue to advancement and education in the Schirra’s passing on May 2, 2007. He reserve my time. United States. was truly an American hero. I am Mr. FEENEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield Mr. Speaker, it is only fitting that proud to support this resolution hon- myself such time as I may consume. this Chamber honor Wally Schirra’s oring such a prominent American cit- Mr. Speaker, again, this is a terrific achievements, and I urge my col- izen, military veteran and astronaut. resolution. Mr. BILBRAY is rightfully leagues to support this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to proud to call Wally Schirra a neighbor Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of support H. Res. 446. and a friend. I think America can call my time. Mr. WU. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the him a neighbor and a friend as well. Mr. FEENEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield balance of my time. I expect to be proudly this Friday myself such time as I may consume. Mr. FEENEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 evening down at Cape Canaveral where Mr. Speaker, I again want to thank minutes to my good friend, the gen- we will hopefully send the next shuttle Mr. WU, my friend from Oregon, for tleman from California (Mr. BILBRAY). flight into space with some good luck this resolution and want to speak in Mr. BILBRAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to, and good fortune. And as I am down favor of H. Res. 446, which honors the first of all, thank the chairman from there I will join many Americans in life and accomplishments of an ex- Oregon and the ranking member for thinking about Wally Schirra and the traordinary man, astronaut Walter supporting my bill, H. Res. 446, in rec- other great heroes that have come for- Marty Schirra. Wally Schirra, as he ognition of the life of Wally Schirra. I ward and made these great feats today was known to nearly everyone, was would just have to say that when we go possible and the many more opportuni- truly a great American and a terrific through the record of the life of Wally, ties in space that would not have hap- human being. he was a San Diegan for a long time; pened without heroes like Wally Wally Schirra was born in Hacken- and we celebrated Wally as a neighbor Schirra. sack, New Jersey, on March 12, 1923, and as a friend and as a national and Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance and was perhaps best known as an ac- international hero. of my time. complished NASA astronaut and The fact is that he did serve exten- Mr. WU. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life human pioneer, with the sively, like many San Diegans, in the and accomplishments of Astronaut Walter distinction of being the only astronaut military, with three Distinguished Fly- Marty Schirra, one of our heroes of the Amer- to fly aboard the Mercury, Gemini and ing Crosses, two Air Medals, more than ican space program.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:29 May 17, 2010 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 0687 Sfmt 9920 E:\BR07\H06JN7.000 H06JN7 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with BOUND RECORD 14670 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 11 June 6, 2007 In his 84 years of life spanning from 1923– His contributions will never be forgotten, and pilot with the 154th Fighter Bomber Squadron 2007, Captain Schirra took great risks on be- he leaves a strong legacy of bravery and serv- during the Korean War. His courage and valor half of his country. ice. I urge support of this resolution. was eventually recognized with three distin- During the Korean War, Captain Schirra Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, today guishing flying crosses, two air medals, two served the country as an exchange pilot with I rise to recognize the life of one of our great NASA Distinguished Services Medals, and in- the 154th Fighter Bomber Squadron and flew space pioneers, Walter M. ‘‘Wally’’ Schirra and duction into the National Aviation Hall of 90 combat missions and downed at least one to speak in support of H. Res. 446, a resolu- Fame. MIG fighter. tion to recognize his many accomplishments Mr. Speaker, Wally Schirra serves as a In April of 1959, ‘‘Wally’’ Schirra was se- and honor his memory. positive role model and an asset to the space lected by NASA as one of the original Mercury Wally Schirra was one of the original seven community. Schirra was an accomplished as- 7 astronauts. Mercury Astronauts and the only astronaut to tronaut whose personal and professional ca- On October 3, 1962, he became the third fly in all three of the earliest manned space reer was filled with positive milestones and ac- American to orbit the Earth when he piloted programs: Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo. complishments. Schirra always rejected medi- his Sigma 7 spacecraft on a six-orbit mission He was known for being an exact and pre- ocrity by rejecting to conform to commonplace that lasted 9 hours, 13 minutes, and 11 sec- cise pilot, and this aviation excellence speaks expectations. Schirra pushed the limits of 2 onds. for itself as Capt. Schirra flew 90 combat mis- He went on to pilot the Gemini 6A mission discovery and was determined to work harder sions while serving in the Navy during the Ko- in 1965, which involved the first attempted and go farther than anyone before him. rendezvous by two manned spacecraft in rean War. Later, during his Gemini 6 mission Despite his numerous accomplishments, Earth orbit, and he made his third and final as a NASA astronaut, Schirra conducted the which ranged from educational attainment, mission in as commander of the first rendezvous of manned spacecraft in orbit, military awards, hall of fame inductions, active- first manned Apollo mission, Apollo 7. considered one of the most challenging tasks ness in diverse clubs and organizations, as During his career as an astronaut, Wally in space flight at the time. well as experiences, his humility was one of Schirra was the only astronaut to fly aboard Capt. Schirra was a great astronaut and a his most endearing traits. Although he was a the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo spacecrafts, great American. What many of my colleagues great asset to the space industry, he assumed and his outstanding service to the U.S. space may not realize is that Wally Schirra became a very modest character. program is marked by several awards, includ- an active businessman and citizen in Colorado As one of the few and profound trailblazers ing Distinguished Flying Crosses, Air Medals, after retiring from the space program. ever known to the United States Naval Acad- NASA Distinguished Service Medals, and in- In the decade after he retired from NASA’s emy, NASA, and the space community, he duction into the National Aviation Hall of Astronaut Corps, he moved to Denver where has helped pave the way for much of our Fame. he lived a life as a successful businessman knowledge about the operations of the space Wally Schirra was a tireless advocate for and an active environmentalist. When he first system. As a Member who represents many discovery and spent the later years of his life came to Colorado, he became the president of NASA-employed constituents and as a strong helping to connect children with the amazing an investment company. Several years after supporter of the expansion of our space pro- possibilities that a career in space exploration that, he started an environmental management grams, I understand the important role that can offer. firm that concentrated their efforts towards de- Schirra played in advancing our scientific ex- Mr. Speaker, today I seek support to: honor veloping solutions for environmental problems plorations in space. the life and accomplishments of astronaut faced by the government and private industry. Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to Walter ‘‘Wally’’ Schirra; to express condo- In addition to being an advisor to Colorado join me in recognizing the enormous contribu- lences on his passing; and to recognize the State University, Capt. Schirra was also an tions that late astronaut Walter Marty Schirra profound importance of Astronaut Schirra’s avid outdoors man, as evidenced by his ten- has made in the space industry and beyond, record as a space pioneer and a long-time ure as a trustee of the Colorado Outward while also expressing condolences for his contributor to NASA’s mission as a catalyst to Bound School. passing. space exploration and scientific advancement Later in his life, while he continued to be in the United States. busy in civic life, he played an active role in b 1130 Mr. Speaker, it is only fitting that this House Colorado politics and served as Colorado’s Mr. WU. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption honor Wally Schirra’s achievements, and I honorary chairman for Ronald Reagan’s presi- of the resolution, and I yield back the urge my colleagues to support this resolution. dential campaign. balance of my time. Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. I and my fellow Coloradans will miss him, The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 446, and I urge my colleagues to honor his memory question is on the motion offered by honoring the life and accomplishments of As- by passing H. Res. 446. the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. WU) tronaut Walter Marty Schirra and expressing Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, that the House suspend the rules and condolences on his passing. I rise in support of H. Res. 446, to honor and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 446. Astronaut Walter Marty Schirra was a mem- recognize the life of astronaut Walter Marty The question was taken; and (two- ber of the Mercury 7, who were named by Schirra, and to express condolences on his thirds being in the affirmative) the NASA in April of 1959. passing. Walter Marty Schirra passed away in rules were suspended and the resolu- He piloted the six orbit Sigma 7 Mercury La Jolla, CA, at the age of 84. tion was agreed to. flight, the Gemini 6 flight and was Command The American community is sad to have lost A motion to reconsider was laid on Pilot on the Apollo VII. one of its original space trailblazer—a true pio- the table. Walter Schirra became the first man to fly in neer in both innovation and discovery. In at- space three times after being pilot of the Apol- f tempting to place men in space, Schirra was lo VII. Schirra received numerous awards and chosen to serve as one of the original Mercury PERMISSION TO RE-REFER EXECU- honors while being a member of NASA. TIVE COMMUNICATION 1370 TO Schirra logged more than 295 hours in space. 7 astronauts for . Serving as an astronaut and naval officer, Schirra be- COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND After he left NASA in 1969, he worked as a TECHNOLOGY television commentator during the Apollo came the first man to fly on all three of our moon landings, was an engineering consultant Nation’s space programs—Apollo 7, Gemini Mr. WU. Mr. Speaker, I ask unani- and worked on corporate boards. VI–A, and Mercury 8 (Sigma 7). Prior to his mous consent that Executive Commu- Not only was Walter Schirra an astronaut, passing, ‘‘Astronaut Wally Schirra’’ logged a nication 1370, the Department of Trans- but he was an advocate for students who want total of 4577 hours of flight time, with 295 of portation’s final rule, Human Space to pursue careers in science and engineering. those being in space. Additionally, he per- Flight Requirements for Crew and He helped to found the formed 267 landings in an . Space Flight Participants, be re- Foundation, which creates college scholar- His lifetime of achievement also included a referred to the Committee on Science ships for engineering and science students. decorated record of service in the United and Technology. The passing of Walter Schirra has been a States Military. He flew 90 combat missions in The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there huge loss to the space community and Amer- F–84E jets, as well as downing at least one objection to the request of the gen- ica as a whole. MIG fighter, while serving as an exchange tleman from Oregon?

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:29 May 17, 2010 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 0687 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR07\H06JN7.000 H06JN7 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with BOUND RECORD