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Image courtesy of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA.
Image courtesy of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA.
Model of Polaris A1 Fleet Missile
Image courtesy of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA.

Model of Polaris A1 Fleet Missile

Artifact IDMO 63.1921A-B
Object Type Model
Date 1961-1964
Maker (American Aerospace Company, founded 1912)
Gifter
Medium Plastic, wood, paint
DimensionsOverall H 20 in x Diam 7 in (50.8 cm x 17.8 cm)
Physical DescriptionModel of Polaris fleet ballistic missile made for the the United States Navy; white rocket shaped model with black trim around body, two red bands around nose, red rocket thrusters at bottom. Mounted on circular wood base with engraved oval metal plaque.
Historical NoteThe Polaris A1 Fleet Ballistic Missile was a two-stage solid-fuel nuclear-armed ballistic missile (SLBM) made during the Cold War for the United States Navy. The launch of this Lockheed-built missile was the first in history from a submerged submarine, the USS George Washington (SSBN 598). It occurred July 20, 1960, off Cape Canaveral, Florida, and within three hours a second Polaris test missile was launched. On November 15, 1960, the submarine and its 16 Polaris A1s began the first patrol.

Lockheed Aircraft Corporation gave this model to President Kennedy. It appears in period photographs on the fireplace mantel in Caroline Kennedy's White House bedroom.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThis item is material associated with the White House the Kennedy Administration and the Executive Offices of the President. It was either government property or was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesKennedy Administration Collection 1960-1963 (National Archives Identifier 1676959)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Not on view