Apollo 7’s Walt Cunningham Passes Away, Sole Crewmember from Historic Mission No Longer with Us

Death – Obituary News : Walt Cunningham, one of the crewmembers of the Apollo 7 mission, has passed away, marking the first anniversary with no surviving crewmembers. Cunningham’s death comes on the 55th anniversary of the start of the Apollo program crewed missions. His fellow crewmembers, Donn Eisele and Wally Schirra, passed away in 1987 and 2007, respectively.

Today is the 55th anniversary of the start of the Apollo program crewed missions – Apollo 7!
Sadly, with the passing of Walt Cunningham this year (seen here during the mission) it’s the first anniversary with no crewmembers still with us.
Eisele passed away in 1987 & Schirra 2007 pic.twitter.com/WQnqXTdZ14

— Andy Saunders – Apollo Remastered (@AndySaunders_1) October 11, 2023

Walt Cunningham, one of the pioneers of the Apollo program crewed missions, has passed away at the age of 90. This year marks the 55th anniversary of the start of the Apollo program, and sadly, it is also the first anniversary with no crewmembers still with us.

Born on March 16, 1932, in Creston, Iowa, Cunningham had always been fascinated by space and aviation. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in physics from the University of California, Los Angeles, before joining the United States Marine Corps. Cunningham served as a fighter pilot and flew 54 combat missions during the Korean War.

In 1963, Cunningham was chosen as one of the 14 astronauts for NASA’s third group, known as the “Original 14.” He made history as part of the three-man crew of Apollo 7, which was the first manned mission in the Apollo program to orbit the Earth. The mission took place from October 11 to October 22, 1968, and was crucial in testing the Apollo spacecraft and its systems.

Cunningham’s legacy extends beyond his time as an astronaut. After leaving NASA in 1971, he pursued a career in business and became a successful entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker. He wrote a book titled “The All-American Boys,” which recounts his experiences as an astronaut and offers insights into the Apollo program.

His contributions to space exploration and his dedication to advancing scientific knowledge will be remembered for generations to come. Cunningham’s passing is a poignant reminder of the incredible achievements and sacrifices made by the men and women who paved the way for humanity’s exploration of the cosmos.

Although Cunningham is no longer with us, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of astronauts and space enthusiasts. His determination, courage, and passion for exploration have left an indelible mark on the history of spaceflight. As we commemorate the 55th anniversary of the Apollo program, let us also remember and honor the remarkable life of Walt Cunningham..

Condolences

@AndySaunders_1 said Today is the 55th anniversary of the start of the Apollo program crewed missions – Apollo 7! Sadly, with the passing of Walt Cunningham this year (seen here during the mission) it's the first anniversary with no crewmembers still with us. Eisele passed away in 1987 & Schirra 2007