SHEPARD, Alan Bartlett, Jr., CDR USN, and Freedom 7 hoisted by Sikorsky H-34 Published on May 3, 2013 in 5 May 1961, 13:34:13.48 UTC, T plus 00:00:00.48Full resolution (1280 × 967) ← Previous Next → A U.S. marine Corps Sikorsky H-34 hovers while hoisting Alan Shpard from the Freedom 7. The Mercury capsule will also be lifted from the ocean by the helicopter. (NASA)