Walter M. Schirra Jr. was an American astronaut and naval aviator, born on March 12, 1923. He was one of the original seven astronauts selected for the Mercury program, making him a key figure in the early days of human spaceflight. Schirra flew three space missions: Mercury-Atlas 8, Gemini 6A, and Apollo 7, showcasing his versatility and skill. Schirra was known for his calm demeanor and technical expertise. He was the only astronaut to fly in all three of NASA's early programs: Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo. He passed away on May 3, 2007, leaving a lasting legacy in space exploration.