Biography - Awards
Congressional Space Medal of Honor
presented by President Ronald Reagan, May
19, 1981
"...John Young, in a space flight career spanning
two decades, has demonstrated the highest qualities of leadership, courage,
and technical skill. The success of each of his five critical space flight
missions has made a major contribution to human progress in the exploration
and utilization of space."
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Young is the seventh astronaut to receive the award. Authorized
by Congress in 1969, the award recognized "any astronaut who in the performance
of his duties has distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious efforts
and contributions to the welfare of the Nation and mankind."
Young was presented a NASA Distinguished Service
Medal at the same time as the Congressional Medal of Honor.
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"A truly unique double-award
to an outstanding astronaut."
- Evans E. Kerrigan, "The
NASA Space Medals", page 22
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"Those guys should get a Congressional Medal of Honor. There's no doubt in
my mind they put their lives on the line on this flight."
- unknown test pilot at Edwards AFB after the STS-1 landing
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