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Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Leader

Honored by:
Thomas Horton

Gene "Tex" Horton, NASA program manager, 1960-1983
At the dawn of human space travel, NASA’s first civilian Information Officer Gene Horton joined USAF ‘s colorful Colonel John “Shorty” Powers, “The voice of mission control, “ to spotlight and humanize the lives and experiences of the space agency’s original seven “Right Stuff” Project Mercury pilots.

Tragically however NASA soon recorded its first flight fatalities, and to create more widespread awareness of both the inordinate risks and rewards of space travel, Gene created along with fellow employee Al Chop NASA’s yet enduring Silver Snoopy flight safety awareness award.

Designed by famed cartoonist the late Charles Schulz, this singular honor is presented only by a flight astronaut and salutes detailed team care which has resulted through the years in improved crew safety and work excellence.