Neil Alden Armstrong, the first human to set foot on the moon, exemplifies the quintessential American hero.

Born in Wapakoneta, Ohio, Armstrong's early life on a farm developed his interest in flight, leading him to Purdue University and then to serve as a naval aviator during the Korean War.

His technical acumen propelled him to become a test pilot, where he piloted experimental aircraft, including the famed X-15. Armstrong's selection for NASA's second astronaut class steered him to command the Gemini 8 mission, overcoming in-flight failures to achieve the first manned docking in space.

His Apollo 11 mission culminated in the historic moonwalk, immortalizing his "small step" quote and anchoring his legacy.

A Purdue graduate and professor at the University of Cincinnati, Armstrong's post-astronaut life involved teaching and serving on commissions for aerospace accidents.

His death in 2012 marked the passing of a global icon of exploration and discovery.

He was elected as member of the Euorpean Academy of Engineering in 1992 and promoted as Emeritus member in 1999.