Well, only one original Mercury Seven left. Scott Carpenter was the second American to orbit. Alan Shepard was the first American in space (sub-orbital) followed by the now last remaining Mercury Seven, John Glenn.
At the beginning of our space program, where amazing guys that paved the way to a new frontier..... A couple of really good books- one written by Scott and the others in the Mercury 7 team... and the other about Alan Shepard. Both really give insight to the formation of a great adventure. Light This Candle is one of my favorites, regarding the beginning of the space program.... highly recommended. We Seven: By the Astronauts Themselves: M. Scott Carpenter, Gordon L. Cooper, John H. Glenn, Virgil I. Grissom, Walter M. Schirra, Alan B. Shepard, Donald K. Slayton: 9781439181034: Amazon.com: Books Light This Candle: The Life and Times of Alan Shepard: Neal Thompson: 9781400081226: Amazon.com: Books
These brave pioneers really took that giant step. Used to lay out at night in the clover field and watch the Russian Sputnik come across the sky about every 45 minutes. Lots of things have changed since those carefree summer nights.
