Alan Shepard : status : "Deceased" | Alan Shepard : was_selected_by_nasa : 1959 | Distinguished Service Medal (United States Navy) : higher : Department of Commerce Gold Medal | Alan Shepard : death_place : California | Alan Shepard : birth_place : New Hampshire | Alan Shepard : award : Distinguished Service Medal (United States Navy)
Alan Shepard, who was hired by NASA in 1959, was born in New Hampshire and died in California. The U.S. Navy awarded him the Distinguished Service Medal, a medal that is ranked higher than the Department of Commerce Gold Medal.