• President and VIPs pay tribute to 'American hero' Neil Armstrong

    Saul Loeb / AFP - Getty Images file

    First moonwalker Neil Armstrong and President Barack Obama get their picture taken on July 20, 2009, during an Oval Office meeting to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing.

    Astronaut Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon, was remembered by friends, colleagues and admirers as a man who made his country believe anything was possible with ingenuity and dedication.

    A few examples from the outpouring of expressions for Armstrong, who died today at the age of 82:

    President Barack Obama: "Michelle and I were deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Neil Armstrong."

    "Neil was among the greatest of American heroes — not just of his time, but of all time.  When he and his fellow crew members lifted off aboard Apollo 11 in 1969, they carried with them the aspirations of an entire nation.  They set out to show the world that the American spirit can see beyond what seems unimaginable — that with enough drive and ingenuity, anything is possible. And when Neil stepped foot on the surface of the moon for the first time, he delivered a moment of human achievement that will never be forgotten.

    "Today, Neil's spirit of discovery lives on in all the men and women who have devoted their lives to exploring the unknown — including those who are ensuring that we reach higher and go further in space. That legacy will endure — sparked by a man who taught us the enormous power of one small step."

    Buzz Aldrin, astronaut who was lunar module pilot on Apollo 11: "I am very saddened to learn of the passing of Neil Armstrong today. Neil and I trained together as technical partners but were also good friends who will always be connected through our participation in the mission of Apollo 11. Whenever I look at the moon it reminds me of the moment over four decades ago when I realized that even though we were farther away from earth than two humans had ever been, we were not alone.

    "Virtually the entire world took that memorable journey with us. I know I am joined by millions of others in mourning the passing of a true American hero and the best pilot I ever knew. My friend Neil took the small step but giant leap that changed the world and will forever be remembered as a landmark moment in human history. I had truly hoped that in 2019, we would be standing together along with our colleague Mike Collins to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of our moon landing. Regrettably, this is not to be. Neil will most certainly be there with us in spirit.

    "On behalf of the Aldrin family, we extend our deepest condolences to Carol and the entire Armstrong family. I will miss my friend Neil as I know our fellow citizens and people around world will miss this foremost aviation and space pioneer. May he rest in peace.”

    NBC's Jay Barbree, Brian Williams and former NASA astronaut Mark Kelly reflect on the life of Neil Armstrong.

    Michael Collins, the astronaut who piloted the Apollo 11 command module and circled the moon while Aldrin and Armstrong went to its surface: "He was the best, and I will miss him terribly."

    John Glenn, former U.S. senator and the first American in orbit, who went through jungle training in Panama with Armstrong: "When I think of Neil, I think of someone who for our country was dedicated enough to dare greatly."

    Charles Bolden, NASA administrator: "As long as there are history books, Neil Armstrong will be included in them, remembered for taking humankind's first small step on a world beyond our own. Besides being one of America's greatest explorers, Neil carried himself with a grace and humility that was an example to us all. When President Kennedy challenged the nation to send a human to the moon, Neil Armstrong accepted without reservation. As we enter this next era of space exploration, we do so standing on the shoulders of Neil Armstrong. We mourn the passing of a friend, fellow astronaut and true American hero."

    Mitt Romney, presumptive Republican presidential candidate: "Neil Armstrong today takes his place in the hall of heroes. With courage unmeasured and unbounded love for his country, he walked where man had never walked before. The moon will miss its first son of earth. I met and spoke with Neil Armstrong just a few weeks ago — his passion for space, science and discovery, and his devotion to America will inspire me through my lifetime."

    Rep. Paul Ryan, R- Wis., presumptive Republican vice presidential candidate: "We lost a great American today. … This is a man who proved that we can imagine big things, who showed that in America you can set very lofty goals and accomplish them. Neil Armstrong is the epitome of American vision, American power, American creativity and how we can set the horizons and achieve our goals."

    Leon Panetta, secretary of defense: "We are bidding farewell to one of our own.  As a decorated Korean War veteran, as an astronaut for NASA, and as the first man to walk on the moon, Neil inspired generations of Americans to believe that as a nation we are capable of achieving greatness that only comes with determination, perseverance, and hard work. As a true pioneer, his one small step showed all mankind the great feats we can accomplish when we set ourselves to the task.  While Neil is no longer with us, his spirit and his legacy of American achievement and national pride will live forever."

    Nancy Conrad, widow of Apollo 12 commander Pete Conrad and founder and chairman of the Conrad Foundation: “Neil was a humble and personable man ... although he was the first man to walk on the moon, he never asserted his own ego into a conversation. Neil will always be remembered for the inspiration he gave to all of us to press on and to achieve our own personal greatness. He was the personification of the Giant Leap for mankind. Neil was not only a gentleman, he was a gentle man.”

    Slideshow: Neil Armstrong: 1930 - 2012

    See images from the career of astronaut and American hero Neil Armstrong.

    Launch slideshow

    Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., chairman of the Senate Science and Space subcommittee, who flew on the shuttle Columbia in 1986: "Neil Armstrong understood that we should reach beyond the stars. His 'one giant leap for mankind' was taken by a giant of a man."

    John Boehner, R-Ohio, House speaker:  "A true hero has returned to the heavens to which he once flew. Neil Armstrong blazed trails not just for America, but for all of mankind. He inspired generations of boys and girls worldwide not just through his monumental feat, but with the humility and grace with which he carried himself to the end. Ohio has lost one of her proudest sons. Humanity has gained a legend."

    Rep. Ralph Hall, R-Texas, chairman of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee: "Neil Armstrong was an inspiration to all Americans, not only for his role in one of the proudest moments in American history, but also for his courage, grace and humility. He exemplified all that is great about mankind, and he will forever be revered as a true American hero." 

    Kenneth Murphy, president of the Moon Society: “In Lunam Aeternum: Neil Armstrong (1930-2012) may be gone, but he will forever be with us.”

    Dan Pastuf, chairman, Students for the Exploration and Development of Space:  “Many students first learn about space exploration through the great accomplishments of the past, like Armstrong’s historic and heroic landing on the moon. This was a journey that he himself said only had a 50-50 chance of success. Because of the groundwork Armstrong laid down, young people have been inspired throughout the world to pursue the limits of where we can explore.”

    Elliot H. Pulham, CEO, Space Foundation: “Neil Armstrong was a humble, soft-spoken hero who never forgot that it was the will of the nation and the tireless work of thousands of scientists and engineers that enabled him to take that famous 'giant leap' for mankind. … Armstrong's quiet resolve and unyielding belief in the importance of exploration will be missed by a grateful nation.”

    Lon Rains, chairman, Coalition for Space Exploration: “Neil was a humble man who devoted his life and his career to serving a greater cause. From the children who strive to explore the stars to those who devote their lives to reaching beyond the bonds of earth, one can only hope to follow in his footsteps."

    More about Neil Armstrong's life and legacy:

  • Astronaut Neil Armstrong, first man to walk on moon, dies at age 82

    Astronaut Neil Armstrong awed the entire planet when he became the first man to step foot on the moon in 1969. He died Saturday at age 82. NBC's Tom Costello reports on Armstrong's life and legacy.

    By Alan Boyle, Science Editor, NBC News


    First moonwalker Neil Armstrong's death at the age of 82 marks the passing of a "reluctant American hero," as well as the dimming of the Space Age's brightest moment.

    His death followed complications from heart-bypass surgery he underwent this month, Armstrong's family said today in a statement released by NASA. The first public report of Armstrong's death came via NBC News' Cape Canaveral correspondent, Jay Barbree, a longtime friend. 

    Armstrong has been immortalized in human history as the first human to set foot on a celestial body beyond Earth. "That's one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind," he radioed back to Earth from the moon on July 20, 1969.

    NASA Administrator Charles Bolden said that "as long as there are history books, Neil Armstrong will be included in them."

    Armstrong's fellow moonwalker on the Apollo 11 mission, Buzz Aldrin, was among the legions mourning his passage. "We are missing a great spokesman and leader in the space program," Aldrin said in a BBC interview. He said he'd remember Armstrong "as being a very capable commander and leader of an achievement that will be recognized until man sets foot on the planet Mars."

    Michael Collins, the crewmate who circled the moon in the Apollo 11 command module while Armstrong and Aldrin took that first trip to the lunar surface, also paid tribute to his commander in a NASA statement: "He was the best, and I will miss him terribly."

    President Barack Obama said that Armstrong and his crew "carried with them the aspirations of an entire nation," and that the first steps on the moon "delivered a moment of human achievement that will never be forgotten."

    NBC's Jay Barbree, who has covered every manned space mission in U.S. history, was first to break the news that Neil Armstrong had died. He discusses the astronaut's life with NBC's Lester Holt.

    "Today, Neil's spirit of discovery lives on in all the men and women who have devoted their lives to exploring the unknown — including those who are ensuring that we reach higher and go further in space," Obama said in a White House statement. "That legacy will endure — sparked by a man who taught us the enormous power of one small step."

    The "one small step" served as the climax of a superpower space race with the Soviet Union, and arguably established the United States' primacy in outer space for decades to come. But Apollo 11 also set a precedent for peaceful cooperation in space. "We came in peace for all mankind," the plaque left behind on the moon read. At one point during Armstrong's first moonwalk, he stopped for what he called a "tender moment" and set down a patch to commemorate NASA astronauts and Soviet cosmonauts who died in the course of their duties.

    Before and after the moon
    The Ohio-born Armstrong began his career in aerospace as a Navy fighter pilot who served with distinction in the Korean War. During the 1950s, he was a test pilot with experience flying more than 200 kinds of aircraft. He was accepted into NASA's second astronaut class in 1962, and during his mission as Gemini 8 commander in 1966, he tamed his wildly spinning capsule and brought it in for an emergency landing.

    Slideshow: Neil Armstrong: 1930 - 2012

    See images from the career of astronaut and American hero Neil Armstrong.

    Launch slideshow

    That quiet cool served him well during Apollo 11, when he had to take manual control of the lunar module, nicknamed Eagle, during the landing. When the craft touched down in the moon's Sea of Tranquility, about 30 seconds' worth of fuel remained.

    "Houston, Tranquility Base here," Armstrong reported to Mission Control. "The Eagle has landed."

    Armstrong and Aldrin spent more than 21 hours on the lunar surface, including two and a half hours' worth of moonwalking. They were amazed to come back to Earth and see how millions of people across the planet had followed their exploits. "Neil, look up there," Aldrin told him as he pointed at a TV screen. "We missed the whole thing."

    After his moon mission, Armstrong took a low profile, becoming what his family called a "reluctant American hero who always believed he was just doing his job." He left NASA in 1971, and took on executive positions in the aerospace industry as well as a teaching position in the University of Cincinnati's engineering department.  Armstrong served on several policy commissions, including the presidential panel that investigated the 1986 Challenger explosion.

    Concerned about future spaceflight
    In his latter years, Armstrong became increasingly concerned about America's continuing leadership in space. He was a strong proponent of efforts to send American astronauts back to the moon, and feared that NASA's cancellation of its return-to-the-moon program would cede America's position as a leader in space exploration to other nations. 

    "Some question why America should return to the moon," Armstrong told a House committee in 2010. "'After all,' they say, 'we have already been there.' I find that mystifying. It would be as if 16th-century monarchs proclaimed that 'we need not go to the New World, we have already been there.'"

    When NBC's Jay Barbree asked Armstrong last month to reflect on the future of spaceflight, for the 43rd anniversary of the Apollo 11 landing, the former astronaut pointed to remarks in which he said the lunar environment was "an exceptional location to learn about traveling to more distant places."

    "I am persuaded that a return to the moon would be the most productive path to expanding the human presence in the solar system," he wrote.

    Armstrong was famous for staying out of fame's spotlight as much as he could. Some outsiders may have faulted him for his reticence, but not his fellow astronauts.

    "Most of our group in those days could have accomplished the challenge of the mission," Apollo 7 astronaut Walt Cunningham told NBC News' James Oberg in an email, "but I do not know a one that could have handled the resulting notoriety as well as Neil did." 

    Over the past year, Armstrong was a bit more in the public eye. Last November, he and other space pioneers — including Aldrin, Collins and John Glenn, the first American in orbit — were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal during a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol.

    In February, Armstrong spoke at Ohio State University during a February event honoring the 50th anniversary of Glenn's history-making spaceflight. In May, Armstrong joined Apollo 17 commander Gene Cernan, the last man to walk on the moon, at Pensacola Naval Air Station in Florida to support the opening of the National Flight Academy, which aims to teach math and science to kids through an aviation-oriented camp.

    On Aug. 7, just two days after his 82nd birthday, Armstrong underwent quadruple-bypass heart surgery after flunking a medical stress test. At the time, his wife, Carol, reported that her husband was "doing great" — but today the family said complications from that surgery led to his death.

    Neil Armstrong's first step on the moon and his now famous first words.

    "While we mourn the loss of a very good man, we also celebrate his remarkable life and hope that it serves as an example to young people around the world to work hard to make their dreams come true, to be willing to explore and push the limits, and to selflessly serve a cause greater than themselves," the family said in today's statement. "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."

    Armstrong is survived by his wife, two sons, a stepson and stepdaughter, 10 grandchildren, a brother and a sister, NASA said. A website, NeilArmstrongInfo.com, has been created to provide more information about Armstrong's life and legacy.

    Quick bites about Neil Armstrong:

    • Armstrong's interest in flight began in childhood: He earned his student pilot's certificate on his 16th birthday, before he got an automobile driver's license. "He never had a girl. He didn't need a car. All he had to do was get out to that airport," Armstrong's father was quoted as saying in the astronaut's biography, "First Man."
    • Armstrong's pulse was measured at 150 beats per minute as he guided the lunar lander to the moon's surface, NASA said. "I believe every human has a finite number of heartbeats," Armstrong once said. "I don't intend to waste any of mine."
    • Asked about his experience on the moon, he told CBS: "It's an interesting place to be. I recommend it."
    • A crater on the moon is named for Armstrong. It is located about 30 miles (50 kilometers) from the site of the landing.
    • In 2005 Armstrong was upset to learn that his barber had sold clippings of his hair to a collector for $3,000. The man who bought the hair refused to return it, saying he was adding it to his collection of locks from Abraham Lincoln, Napoleon, Marilyn Monroe, Albert Einstein and others.
    • Although he was famously reticent, Armstrong once appeared in a TV commercial for Chrysler. He said he made the ad because of Chrysler's engineering history and his desire to help the company out of financial troubles.

    More about Neil Armstrong's life and legacy:

    Editor's note: An early headline on this story briefly misstated Neil Armstrong's name.

    This report was last updated at 12:30 a.m. ET Aug. 26 and includes reporting by Reuters and The Associated Press.

    Alan Boyle is NBCNews.com's science editor. Connect with the Cosmic Log community by "liking" the log's Facebook page, following @b0yle on Twitter and adding the Cosmic Log page to your Google+ presence. To keep up with Cosmic Log as well as NBCNews.com's other stories about science and space, sign up for the Tech & Science newsletter, delivered to your email in-box every weekday. You can also check out "The Case for Pluto," my book about the dwarf planet and the search for new worlds.