Originally Posted by
Kiwithrottlejockey
Apollo 8 was probably the most daring mission (50 years ago this coming Christmas).
Not only did they push for the moon, but they actually went into moon orbit without the safety net of a lunar module with its back-up engine they could use in case of trouble.
That lunar module sure came in handy with Apollo 13.
Agreed. Although there is a high degree of bravery throughout the manned (crewed?) spaceflight business to this very day; I think those crews and particularly the commanders, that did it first are not to be underestimated.
Alan Shepard, Frank Borman and Neil Armstrong on the US side are those that will always have my highest respect.