i love this man

this is where i channel my love for donald kent slayton. despite doctors' opinions, deke had the best heart.

[winking-at-deke-slayton]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEKE SLAYTON

[gusgrissom]

On April 9, 1959, the Mercury Seven were introduced to the world (and each other) for the first time. Scott Carpenter, Gordo Cooper, John Glenn, Gus Grissom, Wally Schirra, Alan Shepard, and Deke Slayton were announced as NASA’s original astronauts, “selected to begin training for orbital space flight.”

“I’ve never seen anything like it, before or since. It was just a frenzy of light bulbs and questions. It was some kind of roar. I know I stumbled through a couple of answers.

What was the real surprise was watching John Glenn. Someone asked if our wives were behind us. Six of us said, ‘Sure,’ as if that had ever been a real consideration. Glenn piped up with a damn speech about God and family and destiny. We all looked at him, and then each other.”

–Deke Slayton on their first press conference

[gusgrissom]

Deke’s senior portrait and official U.S. Army Air Force photo, 1942-1943

[winking-at-deke-slayton]

Oh hey

[humanoidhistory]

Project Mercury astronaut Deke Slayton watches the launch of an Atlas missile from Cape Canaveral, 1959. Photo by Ralph Morse, LIFE magazine.

[lightthiscandle]

One of my favorite Deke photos. (I have many favorite Deke photos.)

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Same

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Baby sissy finished this gem (finally)

[lightthiscandle]

On October 11 and 13, 1960, per Gus’ calendar, he worked with his best friend Deke. Awww.

Also, the MR-1 capsule, whose escape tower later launched by itself, had a flight simulation; Wally did something early on Columbus Day; and Jerry was called.

[winking-at-deke-slayton]

Favorite thing.

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My little sister, Anna, finally found the time to finish her Deke picture! I love it so much!

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I forgot about Deke's birthday until just now. I'm a horrible person :(

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atrial fibrillation therapeutics today

I could take such good care of Deke!

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Deke and drugs

Anyone know anything about Afib drugs Deke might have been taking? 

[lightthiscandle]

Deke Slayton in Russian classes for ASTP.

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Favorite student ever!

[bunnybundy]

Deke goes for a swing, 1964.

[winking-at-the-moon]

One of my favorite Apollo 11 pictures

Neil waving at the Moon.

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Annual reblog because Neil walked on the moon and then he missed it.

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Sitting in the passenger seat on the way to Ohio, hanging out with the Moon all night.

[lightthiscandle]

Marge and Kent Slayton with an awesome poster of the solar system, 1959.

[winking-at-deke-slayton]

FYI I STILL <3 DEKE A LOT

I haven't been tumblr-ing a lot lately on either blog, But yesterday was Deke's birthday and I feel bad that I wasn't on much. Usually I do something for his bday but I'm so busy lately that I didn't have time. 

I LOVE YOU, DEKE, YOU'RE THE BEST.

[lightthiscandle]

Deke Slayton introduces the members of NASA’s third class of astronauts, 10/18/63. To the right are Walt Cunningham and Donn Eisele.

[winking-at-deke-slayton]

BOSS