Neil Armstrong dies at age 82

Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon, has died at age 82. His family said that he died from complications resulting from cardiovasculor procedures. He underwent surgery in Columbus, Ohio on August 7th.

"That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind," the former astronaut announced when he stepped on the surface of the moon on July 21th 1969.

Armstrong was born in Wapakoneta, Ohio on August 5th, 1930. In 1947 he started to study aerospace engineering and was on he second person in his family to attend college. His college tuition was paid by the Holloway Plan, a program that required two years of successful study followed by three years of navy service.

He saw action in the Korean war in 1951 and flew 78 missions over Korea. He left the navy at age 22 in 1952 but remained in the US Naval Reserve.

He made the decision to become an astronaut in 1958 and in 1962 was asked if he had any interest in joining the NASA Astronaut corps, to which he replied yes.

After his Apollo 11 flight, Armstrong indicated that he did not intend to fly in space again. He subsequently became Deputy Associate Administrator for aeronautics for the Office of Advanced Research and Technology for one year. He resigned from in 1971.

He accepted a job at thethe University of Cincinnati and was University Professor of Aerospace Engineering for eight years.

Neil Armstrong had a long and productive life and was even approached by both political parties, which he declined.

Those of us that saw the first moon landing in 1969 will never forget him and his legacy. May he rest in peace.

Source: Wikepedia

HuffPost/Science posted a picture on twitter of the statement by the family. It simply said:

"For those who may ask what they can do to honor Neil, we have a simple request. Honor his example of service, accomplishment and modesty, and the next time you walk outside on a clear night and see the moon smiling down at you, think of Neil Armstrong and give him a wink."