Alan Shepard

Alan Shepard, a rear admiral in the U.S. Navy and a test pilot, earned his place in history by becoming the first American in space in 1961. Not content with merely orbiting Earth, he later served as commander of Apollo 14 in 1971, where he made his mark as the fifth person to walk on the Moon. His lunar exploits included a memorable moment of hitting two golf balls on the Moon, a feat of intergalactic showmanship that solidified his legendary status.

Shepard’s journey from the first tentative leap into space to golfing on the Moon was a testament to his ambition and skill. He was a quintessential American hero, embodying the daring spirit of exploration that defined the space race era. His achievements brought immense pride, not just to his nation, but to anyone who appreciated pushing the boundaries of human endeavor.

While his contributions to space exploration are undeniable, there’s no indication that Shepard harbored any particularly strong Jewish identity or origin. His WASP-y New England roots were as thoroughly documented as his flight plans, leaving little room for a hidden menorah in the family tree. Thus, despite his out-of-this-world accomplishments, he remains firmly grounded in the gentile camp.