This outer hatch cover flew on the Apollo 4 uncrewed mission, the first test flight of the Saturn V launch vehicle. The so-called Block 1 command module side hatch system consisted of an inward opening pressure vessel hatch and a separate outer hatch as part of the spacecraft heat shield. The outer hatch cover remained in place through recovery.
NASA transferred it to the Smithsonian in 1977.
This object is on display in Destination Moon at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.