[NASA - APOLLO 9]. Signed photograph of the Apollo 9 crew. 1969

6 1/2 x 9 1/2 in. color photograph (some fading). Matted and framed (not examined out of frame, overall dimensions 11 1/2 x 14 1/2 in.).

Provenance: Joe Garino (1928-2016), NASA Physical Condition Supervisor (presentation inscription in upper margin of mat which has been trimmed and retained), sold his sale Heritage Auction Galleries, 20 September 2007, sale 669 lot 25102.

SIGNED BY APOLLO 9 CREW MEMBERS JAMES A. MCDIVITTT, DAVE SCOTT, AND RUSSELL "RUSTY" SCHWEIKART WITH PRESENATION INSCRIPTION TO JOE GARINO: " Thanks, Coach! The IX crew."

The Apollo 9 mission took place March 3-13, 1969, and marked the first manned flight of its lunar module. The mission was an unqualified success, fully demonstrating the capabilities of the lunar module and setting the stage for the first lunar landing which would take place four months later. As Physical Condition Supervisor for NASA during the Gemini, Gemini, and Apollo programs, Joe Garino Jr. oversaw the physical training of the earliest men to boldly go where none had gone before.