Neil Armstrong's Milestones
Birth
Neil Armstrong was born in Wapakoneta, Ohio, to Stephen and Viola Armstrong.
First flight experience
Took his first airplane flight at age six, sparking his interest in aviation.
Earned pilot's license
Earned his student pilot's license at age 16.
Naval aviator
Served as a naval aviator in the Korean War, flying 78 combat missions.
Bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering
Received a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from Purdue University.
Test pilot at Edwards AFB
Worked as a test pilot at Edwards Air Force Base, flying experimental aircraft including the X-15.
Selected as NASA astronaut
Selected as an astronaut by NASA in the second group.
Gemini 8 mission
Commanded Gemini 8, performing the first successful docking of two spacecraft in orbit.
Apollo 11 mission
Commanded Apollo 11, the first manned lunar landing.
First moonwalk
Became the first human to walk on the moon, speaking the famous words, 'That's one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind.'
Served on accident investigation boards
Served on the Apollo 13 and Challenger accident investigation boards.
Left NASA
Left NASA and became a professor of aerospace engineering at the University of Cincinnati.
Death
Neil Armstrong died in Cincinnati, Ohio.