Who Was Neil Armstrong?

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of illness or death and child death.

Neil Armstrong was an American astronaut in the mid-20th century. As the commander of the Apollo 11 mission in 1969, Armstrong was the first person to step onto the surface of the moon. He is known for this historical moment and for uttering the two phrases heard around the world via radio transmission: “The Eagle has landed!” and “One small step for man; one giant leap for mankind.” Armstrong is the protagonist of the biography Who Was Neil Armstrong and functions as a culture hero in the text. In keeping with the parameters of the Who Was/ Who Is series, Armstrong is depicted as an inspirational figure who demonstrates The Role of Curiosity and Passion in Driving Scientific and Personal Advancement. Accordingly, aspects of his life that demonstrate these virtues are emphasized, while aspects that might distract from this portrayal are de-emphasized.

Edwards characterizes Armstrong as a deeply humble man who disliked being in the spotlight. “Neil had never liked attention,” Edwards writes, “He was happiest soaring above Earth, flying in a plane” (99).