Astronaut Deke Slayton Signed Letter About Chili Cook-Off

DEKE SLAYTON (1924-1993). Donald Kent Deke Slayton was an astronaut, Air Force pilot, aeronautical engineer and test pilot. He was one of NASAs original Mercury Seven astronauts, however, was grounded and ineligible to fly due to a heart condition discovered during a centrifuge training course. As a result, he went on to become NASA's first Chief of the Astronaut Office and Director of Flight Crew Operations, being one of the people to select the second group of astronauts that NASA named. After taking medication, he was returned to flight status by NASA in 1972 and named a docking module pilot for the ApolloSoyuz flight in 1973.TLS. 1pg. Houston, Texas. February 8, 1993. A typed letter signed DK Slayton to Richard Stonely discussing a picture sent to him. Dear Richard: Thank you for sending the picture. I didnt recognized myself, but my wife insists that that is me at a chili cook-off at the Lunar Institute. Neither one of us had any idea who the other gentleman is, I guess this was his photo. Thanks again. Sincerely, DK Slayton. Richard Stonely sent Slayton a picture of him at a Lunar Institute chili cook-off, which has been an annual event since 1981. This letter is in great condition.