The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Captain James A. Lovell, Jr., United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Command Module Pilot and crew member of APOLLO 8 during the first manned interplanetary flight and orbit of the moon in December 1968. Captain Lovell added both in time and distinction to his already impressive and enviable record as a spaceman in this, the most spectacular space achievement to date. The unique accomplishments of APOLLO 8 and her crew in conducting the extraordinarily successful flight, replete with inestimable technical contributions, will ensure the continuous rapid rate of progress toward the United States goal of lunar landing and space exploration. The impact, worldwide, of this flight has proved to be of the highest importance to the Government of the United States in the peaceful exploration of space. By his exceptional courage and intrepid leadership, Captain Lovell rendered valuable and distinguished service to the Government of the United States, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain James A. Lovell, Jr., United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an Astronaut with NASA from 11 to 15 November 1966 aboard GEMINI XII. During this period, while serving as Command Pilot, Captain Lovell completed a space flight of ninety-four hours and thirty-four minutes for a total of sixty-three orbits. Despite several operational problems which beset the flight, almost all of the primary objectives for the last GEMINI flight were successfully completed. The skills shown by Captain Lovell in the spacecraft and the flight controllers on the ground, proved beyond a doubt that man has, in a very real sense, conquered many of the varied problems posed by space travel. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Lovell reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Captain [then Commander]Action Date:
December 4 – 18, 1965
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain [then Commander] James A. Lovell, Jr., United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an Astronaut with NASA from 4 to 18 December 1965 aboard GEMINI VII. During this period, while serving as Pilot, Captain Lovell completed a space flight of 330 hours and 35 minutes for a total of 206 orbits. Primarily, the crew was engaged in planned flight activities, in performing experiments and in providing the target for the GEMINI VI spacecraft. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Lovell reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.