Interesting Facts About Neil Armstrong, The First Man On The Moon
“Mystery creates wonder and wonder is the basis of man’s desire to understand.”—Neil Armstrong.
Neil Armstrong may be best known—and in some case, only known—for being the first person to step foot on the moon, and rightfully so, considering it was a huge moment not only for the United States, but the entire world. Hence the “
giant leap for mankind” line. However, because of this, people tend to think Armstrong was a one trick pony, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Armstrong accomplished an incredible amount in his life.
He could’ve stopped after the moon landing, but he didn’t, so continue reading to find out why Armstrong was such an impressive man—a true hero who didn’t wear a cape but did wear a spacesuit.
Neil Armstrong Facts
39. It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s Neil Armstrong!
Neil Armstrong took to flying at a young age—his father took him on a ride in a Ford Trimotor airplane when he was six years old—and that passion never went away.
By the time he turned 16, he had already spent enough time in the air to get his pilot’s license. He may be the first—and probably only—person ever to get his pilot’s license before his driver’s license.
38. Save That Money
Growing up, Armstrong worked several jobs to try and earn enough money for flying lessons, which back then cost a whopping $9 per hour! One of the jobs consisted of mowing an entire cemetery in Wapakoneta, Ohio—where he grew up—for $1.
37. Life on the Line
Armstrong was a naval aviator from 1949 to 1952, and fought in the Korean War as a fighter pilot. During that time, he flew 78 combat missions.
