Sixty-five years ago, NASA announced its first astronauts, known as The Mercury 7, who went through a grueling selection process before being unveiled to the press. A group of seven individuals were chosen based on their military background, physical condition, and flight experience. The astronaut lineup included unique personalities such as the witty Gordon Cooper and the God-fearing John Glenn. Reeling from Soviet successes in space, the US regarded the seven with awe and set plans in motion for their journey into the unknown. Shepard became the first American man in space, while the other astronauts took on various missions before the tragic Apollo 1 fire and other significant events changed their destinies.
https://www.theregister.com/2024/04/04/65_years_ago_mercury_7/