Of the 12 men to walk on the Moon, 11 participated in scouting, including Neil Armstrong and his Apollo 11 crewmate Buzz Aldrin.
Scouting was part of everything that Armstrong did, and hence his travel to the Moon and space endeavors had many Scout elements attached.
When Boy Scouts of America instituted the Eagle Scout achievement in 1911, it was called after a bird that was a representation of freedom, courage, strength, bravery, promise, spiritual energy, the triumph of good over evil, and ultimate achievement.
The Eagle Scout and Commander of Apollo 11, Neil Armstrong
Honorably, the Eagle Scout and Commander of Apollo 11, Neil Armstrong, named the Lunar Module, which was to bring him and Buzz Aldrin to the surface of the Moon, “Eagle.”
Neil Armstrong (August 5, 1930 – August 25, 2012). The first man on the Moon received his Eagle Scout award in Wapakoneta, Ohio’s Troop 14 in 1947.
It was just prior to entering Purdue University later that same year to begin his study of Aerospace engineering.
Eagle Scout Neil Armstrong and “Buzz” Aldrin Become First Humans to Walk on the Moon.
At the age of fifteen, Armstrong started taking flying lessons. On the way home from the Shawnee Council’s camp, Armstrong and another Scout and their Scoutmaster came upon an airplane crash, including both his flight instructor and a fellow student pilot.
Although they quickly summoned help and administered first aid, only the flight instructor survived.
Fellow Scouts at Farragut State Park in Idaho
On the way to the Moon in Apollo 11, Neil Armstrong sent greeting to the National Jamboree, stating, in part.
Hello to all my fellow Scouts at Farragut State Park in Idaho. Apollo 11 would like to send them best wishes.
As an adult, he has also been recognized with silver Buffalo awards and the Distinguished Eagle Scout. Ketchikeniqua Lodge, Shawnee Council based in Lima, Ohio, inducted Armstrong into the Order of the Arrow.
Thanks for reading, see also my posts on Neil Armstrong – First Man on the Moon. A fascinating essay about this American hero.
Check out the new book ‘How We Got to the Moon’ will reveal a stunning look at Apollo 11 Mission to the Moon.