JACK SWIGERT.  Jack Swigert (1931–1982) was a NASA astronaut who, as a last-minute replacement for Ken Mattingly (who had been exposed to German measles), was one of three crew members on the near-disastrous Apollo 13 mission.  After becoming embroiled in the controversy surrounding souvenirs carried aboard the Apollo 15 mission, Swigert embarked on a political career running unsuccessfully for a Senate seat in 1978.  He finally won a seat in the House of Representatives in 1982 but died before taking office.

AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED BY JACK SWIGERT REPAIRING HIS CAR ONLY FOUR MONTHS BEFORE THE APOLLO 13 LAUNCH: “THIS CAR SURE RUNS WELL NOW.  THANKS MUCH FOR GETTING EVERYTHING DONE.”

Autograph letter signed by “Jack” Swigert repairing his car only four months before the Apollo 13 launch: “This car sure runs well now.  Thanks much for getting everything done.  We going to love to tighten the right door handle sometime, otherwise I think we’re in good shape.  Sure hope you and all your family have a very merry Christmas and a happy, prosperous year ahead.”  Sent to Swigert’s car mechanic, contains one page, measures 10.5 by 8 inches, created on December 20, 1969, and in pristine condition.