Armstrong was born in Wapakoneta, Ohio. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace engineering from Purdue University and served as a United States Navy pilot before joining the astronaut program in 1962.
Armstrong commanded the Apollo 11 mission, which landed on the Moon on July 20, 1969. He spent more than two hours outside the lunar module, Eagle, collecting samples and taking photographs. His famous words, "That's one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind," are remembered around the world.
After retiring from NASA, Armstrong taught aerospace engineering at the University of Cincinnati. He also served on the boards of several corporations and foundations.
Armstrong received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to space exploration, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Congressional Space Medal of Honor, and the NASA Distinguished Service Medal. He was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame and the International Space Hall of Fame.
Armstrong died at the age of 82 in Cincinnati, Ohio, on August 25, 2012. He is survived by his wife, Carol Held Knight Armstrong, and two sons, Rick and Mark.