McDivitt died Thursday in Tucson, Arizona, NASA said in astatementMonday.
He made his first flight into space in 1965 as commander of the Gemini IV mission.
He attempted to take photos of the object but apparently misfocused the cameras.
In all, McDivitt would spend more than 14 days in space.
“And being the second or third guy wasn’t that important to me.”
He retired that same year from the Air Force as a brigadier general.
His numerous commendations include two NASA Distinguished Service Medals and the NASA Exceptional Service Medal.
