803. ALAN SHEPARD (1923 - 1998) American astronaut, a member of the Mercury team and the first American in space. A fine signed first-day French commemorative cover honoring both Shepard and cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, bears stamps depicting both aviators, canceled on Feb. 24, 1962. Shepard's vintage signature appears at the upper-left corner. Fine. $100 - 150