1. He paid for his first flying lesson with money he made doing odd jobs
When Armstrong was 10 years old, he made $1 mowing the local cemetery. He would then work at a drug store.
Through these odd jobs, Armstrong was able to pay for flight lessons, which at the time, costed about $9 an hour.
2. He could fly more than 200 types of aircraft
Armstrong was the ultimate pilot. He flew more than 200 different types of aircraft during both his civilian and military life.
Not only did he fly the Apollo Lunar Module, but he has flown jets, rockets, helicopters and gliders.
3. He had a pilot’s license before a driver’s license
While most teenagers are itching to be able to get behind the wheel of a car on their 16th birthdays, Armstrong set his sights higher -- literally.
On Aug. 5, 1946, Armstrong got his pilot’s licence and did his first solo flight later that month, all before he got his driver’s license.
4. He served in the Korean War
Armstrong attended Purdue on a Navy scholarship and in 1949 was called on to serve in the Korean War.
He flew in almost 80 combat missions and received three medals for his service.
5. He was a proud Eagle Scout
Armstrong was an Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. He was so proud of his background in boy scouts that he carried his World Scout Badge when he went to the moon.
A high percentage of astronauts are involved in Boy Scouts, according to the Boy Scouts of America.
