Neil Armstrong Biography | American Astronaut

Neil Alden Armstrong

Born: August 5, 1930
Place of Birth: Auglaize County, Ohio

Neil Armstrong, a NASA astronaut, in 1969 became the first man to ever walk on the moon.
He is said to have developed an interest in airplanes when he was only six years old.
When Neil Armstrong was 13 his family moved to Wapakoneta and by 15 was taking flying lessons.
He went to Purdue University in 1947 but, because of the Korean War, was called up to serve as a Navy pilot.
During the war, he finally completed his work at Purdue for his aeronautical engineering degree.
He began work in 1955 as a civilian test pilot and by 1962 was chosen to become an astronaut.
As part of his work, Neil Armstrong piloted the 4000 mph X-15 aircraft.
In 1966, he became part of a three man team selected by NASA to undertake a moon landing project.
Armstrong, along with Michael Collins and Edwin E. "Buzz" Aldrin, made the famous moon landing in 1969.
He was the first to descend from the lunar landing craft and make the previously unbelievable walk on the moon.
As he did, Neil Armstrong historically stated "That's one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind."
After spending some 21 hours on the moon, the crew successfully retuned in the lunar craft to the command module Columbia.
Armstrong continued his work with NASA until 1971 and then served in several job roles which included a professorship at the University of Cincinnati.
Neil Armstrong received the Medal of Freedom, the highest honor bestowed on US civilians.

For detailed research and more information, check out any of the following: About.com HyperHistory Explorers of the Millennium Space.com Wikipedia

BACK HOME PAGE