Posts: 42985 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 09-09-2019 10:22 AM
While reading about the Apollo 12 crew's AstroVettes (for this article), I came across an October 1968 letter written by Alan Bean to automotive designer Alex Tremulis, in which Bean shares:
I don't have a rough sketch of our patch design at this time, but it will be six inches tall and have the shape of the spearhead in a vertical position.
No more details about the patch are included, though Tremulis appears to have incorporated what Bean said into his designs for the AstroVettes (source).
The shape does not match the circular patch designed by Vic Craft that became the official Apollo 12 mission emblem, nor does it match the shield-shaped insignia sketched by Al Stevens.
Has the spearhead design been seen? Are more details about this early patch concept known?
KSCartist Member
Posts: 2896 From: Titusville, FL USA Registered: Feb 2005
posted 09-09-2019 10:36 AM
Inquiring minds want to know.
I hope someone has a sketch of the "Spear-Head" patch. Although it's unlikely if it hasn't surfaced after all this time.
328KF Member
Posts: 1234 From: Registered: Apr 2008
posted 09-09-2019 03:34 PM
When I read the description of a “spearhead” shape, I immediately pictured the Gemini 11 patch of Conrad and Gordon. Maybe there is some connection to that patch theme and what Conrad might have had in mind for 12?
It would have been interesting to have Conrad and Gordon wearing two spearhead-shaped patches around town...and a six inch tall one at that. Weren’t the GT-11 backup crews’ patches oversized?