To The Moon and Back
America’s First Lunar Landing Crew and the Texas Medal of Honor
State and local dignitaries gathered at the Texas capitol on Oct. 11, 1970, to honor the crew of the Apollo 11 spacecraft, the first American astronauts to land on the moon. Neil Armstrong, Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin and Michael Collins were decorated with a uniquely designed Texas Medal of Valor by Gov. Preston Smith in the chamber of the Texas House of Representatives.
Left Astronauts and dignitaries, including Sen. Barbara Jordan, at the Texas capitol. Right Gov. Preston Smith presents the Texas Medal of Valor to Apollo 11 astronauts (left to right) Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin.
A specially appointed lunar landing commission chaired by Secretary of State Martin Dies Jr. worked with artist Thomas Lo Medico to craft the unique gold medals. Only four copies of the medals were produced, one for each of the members of the Apollo 11 crew and an additional medal to be housed at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
One side of the gold medal reads “The State of Texas, Medal of Honor, Apollo 11 Astronauts,” and is engraved with the famed lone star of Texas with a floral garland. The opposite side bears Armstrong’s famous words, “We came in peace,” along with the date of the mission, July 20, 1969. Figures representing Armstrong and Aldrin are shown erecting the U.S. flag beside the lunar landing module while the planet Earth is shown in the background.
PHOTO OP Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin presents Gov. Preston Smith with a photo taken from the surface of the moon.
In return, the astronauts presented Gov. Smith with a photo taken from the surface of the moon. The color photo illustrated the stark black and white surface of the moon, an astronaut and the vivid colors of the American flag placed on the moon during the mission.
This “one small step for mankind” left an undeniable mark on the adventurous spirit of countless Texans who’d later be inspired to pursue science, math, engineering and technology to propel Texas to the forefront of innovation.
