|
US National Aeronautics and Space Administration
(NASA) administrator Charles Bolden described
Neil as a “true American hero” and observed: “As
we enter this next era of space exploration, we
do so standing on the shoulders of Neil Armstrong.”
President Barack Obama also paid him rich tributes.
Born 5 Aug 1930, Neil was an aerospace engineer,
a qualified naval aviator with deck landings,
an Air Force test pilot, a distinguished astronaut.
He is survived by his second wife Carol, whom
he met at a golf course in 1992 and married in
1994.
A quiet and private person, Neil contributed generously to his alma mater, the Purdue
University , and various charities. Once, when his barber sold his hair for $ 3,000
without his permission, Neil ensured that the proceeds went to a charity.
His landing on the moon was headlined the world over, including in India . His first
words, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,” made everybody
everywhere share the US achievement and celebration.
Said his family in a statement: Neil was our loving husband, father, grandfather,
brother and friend.
Neil Armstrong was also a reluctant American hero who always believed he was just
doing his job. He served his Nation proudly, as a navy fighter pilot, test pilot,
and astronaut. He also found success back home in his native Ohio in business and
academia, and became a community leader in Cincinnati.
He remained an advocate of aviation and exploration throughout his life and never
lost his boyhood wonder of these pursuits.
|
