but that is, next: utterly ^{(Lunar) Eclipsed!} ..via selection of the "Authorized Certifying Officer"
for this unprecedented Space- flight *drew ... none other than
..the redoubtable C. W. Bird



* Author! Author!

Did you miss the "didn't" part of that sentence?
..as I tried to indicate my sense that: to have 'made up that name? ..would have been
{most likely} a sword-breaking/epaulets-ripped-off !! Offense. i.e.

Beyond the pale. [in matters of Military theatre, say]
Seems that my assessment was correct :-)

And a Tough 'ol Bird be he: 95 and still ticking