MAY 4--A world record balloon altitude of 113,739.9 feet was reached in a two-place open gondola Stratolab flight by Commander Malcolm D. Ross and Lieutenant Commander Victor A. Prather (MC). Launched from Antietam off the mouth of the Mississippi, the balloon, which was the largest ever employed on manned flight, reached its maximum altitude 2 hours and 36 minutes after takeoff 136 miles south of Mobile, Ala. This achievement was marred by the death of Lieutenant Commander Prather who fell from the sling of the recovery helicopter and died on board the carrier about an hour after being pulled from the water.