December 12

Stuart A. Roosa (1933–1994) was a USAF pilot selected as part of NASA's third astronaut group in 1966. He flew on Apollo 14 in 1971, orbiting the Moon while his crewmates conducted lunar surface exploration. A former smokejumper and test pilot, Roosa logged over 6,500 hours of flying time in various aircraft. He carried a pouch of tree seeds to lunar orbit, which later germinated into the famous 'Moon Trees.' After leaving NASA, Roosa held leadership roles in aerospace development and remained active in veteran astronaut circles.

Ardito Desio (1897–2001) was an influential Italian geologist, mountaineer, and explorer. He led the 1954 Italian expedition that achieved the first summit of K2, demonstrating his leadership in extreme environments. Desio conducted extensive geological surveys across the Alps, Karakoram, and Himalayan ranges, contributing key insights into mountain formation. A professor at the University of Milan, he published numerous papers on stratigraphy and tectonics, shaping modern earth sciences. Over his career spanning eight decades, he received international recognition and honors, including the Royal Geographical Society's Patron's Medal. Desio's blend of scientific rigor and adventurous spirit inspired generations of geologists and climbers.