R.I.P. Wally Schirra

People are so enamored with popular icons that they often overlook some of the truly hard-working heroes in life.

Wally Schirra was probably the most American astronaut of them all.

Few people realize that he flew several early (groundbreaking) missions in three separate programs (Mercury, Gemini and Apollo). As such he can probably be acknowledged as one of the most experienced astronauts ever.

He lived a robust and historically-meaningful life. He died of natural causes this week at the age of 84. Those who appreciate the work will miss you.

Rock on, dude. --mattergy