Chris Calle (American, B. 1961) "Michael Collins" Signed lower right. Mixed Media on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was published on the Republic of the Marshall Islands 25c First Men on the Moon Astronaut Michael Collins stamp issued August 1, 1989. As Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first men to walk on lunar ground, Michael Collins orbited the moon in the Columbia, coordinating the mission from overhead. He jubilantly shared in the triumph of his two comrades, exhibiting the team spirit for which he was well known. An Air Force Colonel and veteran of the Gemini 12 mission, astronaut Collins once said about voyaging to space, "I would have flown alone, or with a kangaroo -- I just wanted to fly." His enthusiasm and expertise played major roles in the success of Apollo 11. Image Size: 9.75 x 12 in. Overall Size: 16.5 x 23.25 in. Unframed. (B12125)