Neil Armstrong, made “one giant leap for mankind” as the first man to walk on the moon. At the age of 82 he passed away Saturday from complications resulting from cardiovascular procedures after he underwent heart surgery earlier this month. On July 20, 1969, Armstrong, at age 38 the lunar module “Eagle” separated from the command module and “Tranquility Base here, the Eagle has landed” was heard around the world. Armstrong was on the moon’s surface for two hours and 32 minutes and Buzz Aldrin followed him, 15 minutes later. The two astronauts put the American flag on the surface and scooped up moon rocks and none ever returned to space.
Armstrong received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1969, the highest award offered to a U.S. civilian, because he showed us anything is possible.
Armstrong was born in Wapakoneta, Ohio, on August 5, 1930. He earned his pilot’s license at 16, studied aeronautical engineering and earned degrees from Purdue University and USC. He served in the Navy, and flew 78 combat missions during the Korean War.
After walking on the moon, Armstrong worked for NASA, until 1971, when he resigned. Moving he taught engineering at the University of Cincinnati, leading a quiet, private life with his wife and children.
Posted by Suzanna Bowling
on August 26, 2012. Filed under Headliners,NEWS,Obituaries.
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