Neil Armstrong: A History Hero Who Reached for the Stars

Neil Armstrong, an American astronaut, was the first person to walk on the Moon. He was born in Wapakoneta, Ohio, on August 5, 1930. He graduated from Purdue University in 1955 with a degree in aeronautical engineering. After graduating from college, Armstrong joined the U.S. Navy and served as a naval aviator. He flew 78 combat missions during the Korean War.

After leaving the Navy, Armstrong worked as a test pilot for the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA),which later became NASA. In 1962, he was selected as one of the original seven Mercury astronauts. He made his first space flight in 1966 on the Gemini 8 mission. During this mission, Armstrong and fellow astronaut David Scott performed the first successful docking of two spacecraft in orbit.

Neil Armstrong (History Heroes)

by Damian Harvey

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In 1969, Armstrong commanded the Apollo 11 mission, which landed the first humans on the Moon. On July 20, 1969, Armstrong took his historic first steps on the lunar surface. He spent two and a half hours outside the lunar module, collecting samples and taking photographs.

After returning to Earth, Armstrong received many honors and awards. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Congressional Space Medal of Honor, and the NASA Distinguished Service Medal. He also received honorary doctorates from many universities.

Armstrong retired from NASA in 1971. He later worked as a professor of aerospace engineering at the University of Cincinnati. He also served on the board of directors of several companies.

Armstrong died on August 25, 2012, at the age of 82. He is survived by his wife, Carol, and his two sons, Eric and Mark.

Armstrong's legacy is one of courage, determination, and achievement. He was a pioneer in the field of space exploration, and his accomplishments have inspired generations of people to reach for the stars.

Here are some additional facts about Neil Armstrong:

• He was the first person to set foot on the Moon, and the first person to speak on the Moon.
• He spent a total of 12 hours and 35 minutes on the lunar surface.
• He collected 47 pounds of lunar samples.
• He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Richard Nixon.
• He was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame.
• He was named one of the "100 Most Influential People of the 20th Century" by Time magazine.

Armstrong's story is one that continues to inspire people of all ages. He was a true pioneer, and his accomplishments will never be forgotten.

Neil Armstrong (History Heroes)

by Damian Harvey

4.7 out of 5

FREE