Neil Alden Armstrong

My hero is Neil Armstrong. I chose him because he inspired me to be an explorer and go where nobody has ever gone before. If it’s in outer space, in the ocean, or where I live, exploring is my one true passion. Neil accomplished many courageous and outstanding things in his life. He fought for our country and he has inspired millions of people all around the world.

Neil Armstrong was born August 5, 1930 in Wapakoneta, Ohio. He is currently 79 years old. He is married to Janet Shearon and has two sons. Armstrong lived in Cleveland when he was young, then he moved to Warren, Ohio where his family lived on a farm. Neil has a brother and sister. When he was six, his dad flew with him on an airplane which was called the Ford Tri Motor Plane. When he entered his new school they put him in third grade instead of second because he was advanced academically.

In 1947, Neil Armstrong began studying aerospace engineering at Purdue University where he was a member at Phi Delta Theta. Neil was only the second person in his family who went to college. He received a bachelor’s degree in science aeronautical engineering from Purdue University in 1955. He also earned a master’s degree in science for aerospace engineering from the University of Southern California.

After he graduated he decided to become a test pilot. He was in the navy during the Korean War. Then he was accepted in the astronaut corps in 1962. Neil Armstrong would later be the command pilot with David Scott. The mission launched March 16, 1966. It was successfully completed after their spacecraft orbited the moon in 6.5 hours. On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon.

“Houston tranquility base here. The eagle has landed.’’

The entire mission from the earth to the moon took four and a half days. Neil has completed two missions. One was in orbit the other was when he landed on the moon. When Neil returned from his mission he was kept in isolation for three weeks. He and his crew put on special airtight garments in case of contamination. He then became a professor at the University of Cincinnati.

Neil has received many awards in his life including, The Presidential Medal for Freedom, The Robert J. Collier Award in 1969, The Robert H. Gordon Award in 1970, The Space Medal for Honor as well as many medals from other countries.

As you’ve seen, Neil Armstrong is my hero because he is courageous. He has been a trustworthy and loyal friend and coworker to many people. He gave hope to many by doing what nobody has ever done before. He has inspired many people to do outstanding things and that’s why Neil Armstrong is my hero.

“Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life.’’