In California, USA, Alan Shepard—the first American astronaut, with Albanian origins from Dardha, Korçë—passed away. He was born in New Hampshire, USA, in 1923. Alan Shepard graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1944 and later, in 1957, from the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. Shepard commanded the Apollo 14 mission, which included the first moon landing. During this mission, he placed the Albanian flag on the lunar surface, which was subsequently presented to the Albanian delegation attending the United Nations session. This flag is now displayed at the National Historical Museum in Tirana. From 1963 to 1969, Shepard led NASA’s Astronaut Office, and later, from 1971 to 1974, he retired from the Navy to pursue a private business career in Texas. He received numerous awards, including the NASA Distinguished Service Medal and the Congressional Space Medal of Honor. (In the photo: Alan Shepard)
Text: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Alan-B-Shepard-Jr
Photo: © https://www.biography.com/scientists/alan-shepard
Graphic processing: AHCF
