Navy Cmdr. Alan B. Shepard, right, and Air Force Capt. Virgil I. Grissom pose at the Pentagon after receiving the first pilot astronaut wings awarded by the United States, Dec. 6, 1961. The two astronauts were awarded the special wings in a double ceremony after a slight controversy over who would be the first to receive the honor. Shepard made his space flight on May and Grissom followed with another short space voyage in July. (AP Photo/Bob Schutz) Ref #: PA.8611831
