 
111th Congress H.R. 2245: "New Frontier Congressional Gold Medal Act" |
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John Stonesifer writes:
The Congressional Gold Medal is, along with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the
United States. Only about 100 Congressional Gold medals have been awarded since George Washington received
his in 1776. This ceremony was held on November 16, 2011 in the Capitol Rotunda, and the presentations were made by
Senator Harry Reid, Senator Mitch McConnell, Representative John Boehner and Representative Nancy Pelosi to Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, Mike Collins, and John Glenn. Other various Congressional Space Committee members were present and made congratulatory speeches.
Following the presentation, a reception was held for the honorees and invited guests in the beautiful Cannon Caucus Room.
A highlight of the reception was the opportunity to greet the honorees and chat about events 40 plus years ago.
The Hornet group was extremely appreciative of receiving the invitation for us and wives from Congressman Boehner.
He recognized the Hornet group in his introductory speech.
It was a great day and I wish so many more of the participants in that historic day of Apollo 11 returning from the moon
could have been present for this event.
(Credit to Milt Putnam/Navy, Official Navy photographer flying in the Apollo 11 Photo helo, for most of these photos taken at the presentation.)
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2011 Congressional Gold Medal Presentation in the Capitol Rotunda
honoring Armstrong, Collins, Aldrin and Glenn |
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Hornet Group with Neil Armstrong at reception:
John Hirasaki/NASA (MQF Recovery Engineer), Richard Powers/Navy (Hornet aide assigned to Pres. Nixon),
Bruce Johnson/Navy (Co-Pilot of astronaut pick-up helo), Clancy Hatleberg/Navy (UDT swim team leader),
Neil Armstrong, Bob Fish/Curator of USS Hornet Museum (author of "Hornet Plus 3"),
Dr. Bill Carpentier/NASA (MQF Flight Surgeon)
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Chris Kraft & John Glenn |
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Neil Armstrong & Milt Putnam/Navy, Official Navy photographer
flying in the Apollo 11 Photo helo |
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Neil Armstrong & John Stonesifer | 
John Hirasaki & John Stonesifer |
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