As the Land of Lincoln prepares to celebrate the 203rd birthday of Abraham Lincoln, Governor Pat Quinn today announced seven distinguished Illinoisans who will receive The Order of Lincoln, the state's highest award.
"The men and women receiving the Order of Lincoln have dedicated themselves to improving their communities and helping their neighbors," said Governor Quinn. "These worthy recipients truly reflect the selflessness embodied by our nation's sixteenth president, and we thank them for their service."
The Order of Lincoln Medallion will be presented by The Lincoln Academy of Illinois officials at a special ceremony Saturday, April 21 at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield. The 2012 Laureates include:
James Arthur Lovell, Jr.
Captain James Lovell was selected in September 1962 for the space program following his experience as a Naval Aviator and Test Pilot.
He executed various commands in the Gemini mission program, including pilot on the Gemini 7 flight, which saw the rendezvous of two manned spacecraft in 1965. At the close of the Gemini program, Lovell became Command Module Pilot and Navigator on Apollo 8, backup commander on Apollo 11, and spacecraft commander on the perilous Apollo 13 mission in 1970.
In 1973, Lovell left the space program to pursue a successful career as President of Bay-Houston Towing Company and Fisk Telephone Systems. In 1994, Lovell and Jeff Kluger co-wrote a book about the Apollo 13 mission, Lost Moon.
His awards and honors include the Presidential Medal for Freedom and the French Legion of Honor.
posted 02-22-2012 04:58 PM
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