The high price of fame was a heavy burden for all the early U.S. astronauts, but none paid more dearly than the First Man on the Moon—as personally unwanted as his status as a celebrity and global icon immediately became after he made that “one small step” onto the Sea of Tranquility on July 20, 1969. It was an inevitable legacy that Neil Armstrong never asked for, unhesitatingly did not want, and, for his entire post–Apollo 11 life, had an unusually hard time bearing.
Neil absolutely hated being famous—from start to finish, no doubt about it. He hated it not because as the first man on the Moon he had become an immortal figure forever more in the history books—he was immensely proud of the Apollo 11 mission, he understood what great sacrifice, what awesome commitment, and what extraordinary human creativity it had taken to get that first lunar landing mission done and brought back home safely.
But Neil also knew, and always emphasized whenever the subject came up for discussion (which for Neil was always too much), that it was the teamwork of some 400,000 Americans that enabled Apollo’s success. As the commander of Apollo 11, he had been at the top of that pyramid—the foremost member of the extraordinary team that achieved humankind’s epochal first step onto another heavenly body. But, as the global public did not clearly recognize at the time in 1969—nor does it today—that there had been nothing preordained in his becoming the commander of the first Moon landing or, furthermore, becoming the first man out onto the lunar surface. As Neil always tried hard to explain, those tasks were mostly the luck of the draw, emerging from an unpredictable complex of highly contingent circumstances. As he explained to CBS journalist Ed Bradley for a 60 Minutes profile in November 2005, the “principle concern” of Deke Slayton, the head of the astronaut corps and the man who put the Apollo crews together, was “getting a qualified capable commander on each flight.” Deke “took the position that the guys had all come through the process, were all qualified to fly, should be able to fly, and should be able be able to accept any task they were given.” So, “I wasn’t chosen to be first. I was just chosen to command that flight. Circumstance put me in that particular role.”20
But the public did not want to hear such pedestrian explanations from Neil or anyone else; it wanted heroes and heroic tales, especially with its astronauts—the First Man foremost among them. Neil hated the iconography that came to surround and define him. He did his best to correct and deflect the epic and monumental elements that society and culture built into his legacy, which he knew greatly distorted who he actually was, led to countless myths, errors of fact, exaggerations, apocryphal stories, and downright lies about him, what he had done, what he believed, what he stood for. He hated fame and celebrity for its constant intrusion into his personal and professional life—and most of all, into his daily, even minute-by-minute, thoughts, into his very living consciousness. In the extraordinarily modest, unassuming, and private way he lived his life after Apollo 11, it was clear that Neil understood that the glorious feat that he helped achieve for the country back in the summer of 1969—glorious for the entire planet—would inexorably be diminished by the blatant commercialism, redundant questions, and noise of the modern world. Whether it was some nobility in his character or something less noble, Neil just would not let himself take part in any of that. He was a man who just could not be bought.
Almost everything about being the First Man on the Moon took a heavy toll on him—and nowhere was the toll on Neil more sorely affecting than in his voluminous public mail and his laborious efforts to handle it over the course of the forty-three years he lived after Apollo 11. The barrage was never-ending. Although it never again reached the rate of the some 10,000 pieces of mail per day that he received in the weeks and months following the Moon landing, the pressure of answering to the public never much receded. Without question, Armstrong’s signature, through the entire history of the Space Age from 1969 to his death in 2012, remained by far the most popular sought-after astronaut autograph. Enthusiasts called it “the holy grail” of autographs. Handwriting experts published articles on how the downstrokes to his “N” and “A” and other features of his signature changed over the years. Though not rare—given how many signatures Neil had provided freely for the public for over twenty years, and given the perceived value and the desire to possess his autograph—demand always remained high. After his death, that demand increased greatly, as did the price for any Armstrong autograph or item of memorabilia. (Neil’s death in August 2012 brought more examples of his autograph to the market, and the same happened in 2019 because of the fiftieth anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission. As a result, serious space memorabilia collectors have become more selective in their purchases, placing a higher importance on the provenance of each piece, where, at the same time, highly publicized auctions have drawn new collectors and speculative investors who are not familiar with the market and who have paid more than perhaps the autograph can maintain.21)
As the letters in this book make so disconcertingly clear, people wanted so much from Neil, more than he could ever give. But he tried. It was very hard for him, but he tried. So many requests came in to him asking for so much “stuff”—autographs, pictures, brochures, books, information, answers—not just from children but also from many adults. Most requests were polite but some were not. Many fans were writing, they said, to get Neil’s autograph and then gift it to a child, a grandchild, a father, a friend, or someone who was very ill or dying. Some of those stories were no doubt true, but many of them were not.
It took a lot of time and energy for Neil’s fans to write their letters. For many it was probably the first fan letter they ever wrote. It was a special thing for them to be writing to their great hero. They asked a lot of good questions but many of the questions could have easily been found in books or encyclopedia articles. But the fans wanted to hear the answers directly from Neil, who, in the minds of many of them, seemed to possess the secrets of the universe. Some of the letter-writers sought his actual companionship and a few even his love. As we have already seen, several teenage age girls wrote long love letters to him, a few on a weekly basis, with enclosed pictures and scented hankies.
None of this was easy for a man like Neil Armstrong, but one can speculate that no other astronaut could have done a better job with it. Neil was a very modest man, and his modesty shows up in most of his letters. Many of his replies were tremendously witty and insightful—many also were sharply honest and some even sarcastic. Reading through all of the letters put together for this chapter, one could easily come away not liking Neil very much, thinking him too strict, too ungenerous, too principled, not just for his fans but for his own good as well.
Only the people closest to Neil truly saw the effects on him. His first wife, Janet, who quietly divorced him in 1994 because, in her words, she “just couldn’t live with the personality anymore,” knew better than anyone what it had all done to him inside. “He feels guilty that he got all the acclaim for an effort of tens of thousands of people. Neil would let it bother him. He always was afraid of making a social mistake,” though he had “no reason to feel that way for he was always a well-mannered gentleman.” He “certainly led an interesting life, but he took it too seriously to heart. He didn’t like being singled out or to feel that people were still wanting to touch him or get his autograph. Yet he wouldn’t quit signing autographs for twenty years because probably, in the bottom of his heart, he didn’t think most people were trying to make money selling them.” In Janet’s view, if he had gone out in public more times over the years and shared more himself in that way, the more obsessive interests in him would have dwindled; instead, he made himself a type of target.22
Could another human being have handled the bright glare of international fame and instant transformation into a global icon better than Neil did? It depends on what one means by “better.” Many individuals, without question, would have found ways to benefit more materially—and done less suffering—from the fame than Neil did.
But it is hard to imagine anyone who worked harder to remain who he was than Neil Armstrong—or who experienced more pressure from the outside world to change his character. “The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are,” wrote mythologist Joseph Campbell in Reflections on the Art of Living (1991). As extraordinarily hard as it was for such a famous man to do, Neil exercised that privilege every day of his life—and all of us who look back on his remarkable life should be happy that he did.
(Readers should note that many of the letters in this chapter are from Neil in response to an initial request letter that I have been unable to locate.)
“IT WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE YOUR PICTURE ON DISPLAY”
[Translated from Italian at NASA Headquarters]
August 21, 1970
Dear Neil Armstrong:
I run a tailor shop here that has the name “Neil Tailors.” Since the name is the same, I thought it would be nice to have your picture to display in the store. Can you send me one? I will be most grateful.”
Mrs. Milena Rampinelli
Bergamo, Italy
“THIS GUY SENDS A LOT OF AUTOGRAPH REQUESTS”
(A SERIES OF REQUESTS FROM A MAN IN NEW YORK)
September 14, 1970
Dear Astronaut Armstrong,
Enclosed is a copy of the book “First on the Moon.”
Needless to say this was a most interesting and exciting story of this historical event in our time.
I keep books that I enjoy reading again in my small library.
Would you be kind enough to inscribe this book for me and I will cherish even more within my library.
Thank you for this consideration.
Respectfully,
Louis Newman
Liberty, New York
Dear Commander Armstrong,
Enclosed is a copy of the book “Exploring the Moon.” This book has already been inscribed by Astronaut Edwin Aldrin—
With the true desire to perpetuate the history of Man’s Flight to the Moon—I read this book and enjoyed this immensely.
I would like to keep this with my small library of books that I enjoy reading over again—
If you would be kind enough to inscribe this book for me, I truly would be honored to include this in my small library of cherished books dedicated to Apollo—
Thank you for this consideration.
Respectfully,
Louis Newman
Liberty, New York
Handwritten by Neil at the bottom of this letter: “I signed the book.”
Note to Neil from his secretary, Geneva Barnes
June 12, 1971
Mr. Armstrong:
See your note re Mr. Newman. According to previous correspondence, he has received an autographed first day cover, and two books.
He has now sent a small print which has been signed by 6 of the original 7 astronauts and he is asking that you sign it. In addition, he asks “What are your thoughts to Apollo 11 and the future of our space station during our current space austerity program…”
I have prepared a response to his question using quotes from your War College and West Point speeches. But it occurred to me that you may not wish to sign the poster, in view of your note.
Handwritten at the bottom of this note and signed by Neil: “THIS GUY sends a lot of autograph requests. N.A.”
June 19, 1971
Dear Mr. Armstrong,
With the sincere desire to perpetuate the history of Pres. John F. Kennedy, I am compiling A Album dedicated to Pres. Kennedy and his association with the Space Landing on the Moon.
Enclosed is a beautiful association print which has already been sent to and signed by Astronauts Shepard, Schirra, Glenn, Cooper, Carpenter and Slayton—If you would be kind enough to inscribe “One Small step for man, one Giant Step for Mankind” and autograph this for me, I truly would be honored to have this mounted at the head of my dedication to Pres. John F. Kennedy.
Mr. Armstrong, what are your thoughts to Apollo 11 and the future of our Space Station during our current Space Austerity Program and what can I do to help bring back our full interest in the United States Space Program.
Most Respectfully,
Louis Newman
Liberty, New York
Reply from Geneva Barnes
June 30, 1971
Mr. Louis Newman
Liberty, New York
Dear Mr. Newman,
Mr. Armstrong has asked me to thank you for your recent letter. He would like very much to reply personally to all of the mail he receives but this is not possible because of the demands on his time.
He has signed the print for you but did not inscribe his famous quote, as you requested. Mr. Armstrong does not quote himself.
Sincerely,
(Mrs.) Geneva Barnes
Secretary to Mr. Armstrong
October 27, 1971
Astronaut Armstrong,
With the true desire to perpetuate the history of “Man’s Flight thru Space,” I am compiling A Album dedicated to this project.
Recently, I was fortunate to obtain this beautiful card honoring A Decade of Space Achievements—.
If you would be kind enough to inscribe this card with a thought associated with Man’s Flight thru Space—I truly would be honored to mount this at the head of my Album.
I would appreciate any information, photos or possibly a note reflecting your thoughts on the critics of our Space Program. I’m constantly defending this project and could use more information.
Thank you for this consideration.
Respectfully
Lou Newman
Liberty, New York
November 15, 1971
Mr. Louis Newman
Liberty, New York 12754
Dear Mr. Newman:
We are returning your first day covers unsigned. Mr. Armstrong has discontinued signing all philatelic items because of their widespread commercial use.
I apologize for the delay in returning your covers. However, our volume of mail has been such that we have not been able to reply as quickly as we would like.
Sincerely,
(Mrs.) Geneva Barnes
Secretary to Mr. Armstrong
March 27, 1972
Dear Astronaut Armstrong
As it is generally known in Liberty, N.Y. that I am a Ardent Supporter of the U.S. Space Program and a even stronger admirer of Astronaut Neil A Armstrong, I was recently fortunate to obtain this beautiful enclosed photo—
If you would be kind enough to inscribe this photo for me with a thought associated to Apollo 11—I truly would be honored to mount this within my Album of Tribute to Astronaut Neil Armstrong and the U.S. Space Program—
Thank you for this consideration
Most Respectfully,
Liberty, New York
Reply from Fern Lee Pickens, Neil’s assistant
July 5, 1972
Mr. Louis Newman
Liberty, New York
Dear Mr. Newman:
Mr. Armstrong has asked me to reply to your letter of March 27, 1972. I apologize for the delay in answering, but we receive thousands of letters from all over the world and our volume of mail is so heavy that we are unable to make prompt reply.
In this your most recent letter, you ask for another autograph. Our files show that Mr. Armstrong has been very generous in autographing items for you, having supplied you with five between October 1970 and December 1971. I am sorry, but we cannot honor your further requests for autographs and your picture is returned herewith.
We are enclosing some information which we hope you will enjoy; also, a brochure of NASA Educational Publications showing the kinds of material available and where to obtain it, should you be interested in adding to your personal library and your albums.
Your interest and enthusiasm in the space program is appreciated and we hope it will continue as our activities in space progress.
Sincerely,
(Mrs.) Fern Lee Pickens
Assistant to Mr. Armstrong
“A PERSONALLY SIGNED CHRISTMAS CARD”
January 14, 1971
Mr. Selwyn C. Gamble
Senatobia, Mississippi
Dear Mr. Gamble:
Please accept our apologies for the delay in responding to your mimeographed letter of November 25 in which you requested a personally signed Christmas card and another personal item from Mr. Armstrong. Because of the incorrect address and the heavy holiday mail, your form letter did not reach Mr. Armstrong’s Washington office until after Christmas.
Unfortunately, because of his heavy schedule of activities with NASA and the tremendous volume of mail he receives daily, Mr. Armstrong is unable to personally correspond with his many admirers throughout the world. We are, however, enclosing an autographed picture of Mr. Armstrong which we hope you will enjoy adding to your collection of memorabilia.
Best wishes and, again, thank you for your interest in writing.
Sincerely,
S. B. Weber
Assistant to Mr. Armstrong
“I AM RETURNING THE SHEETS UNSIGNED”
March 5, 1971
Mr. Max J. Lewallen
Northeast Chapter, GSPE
Southern Piedmont Conservation Research Center
Watkinsville, Georgia
I am replying on behalf of Mr. Neil Armstrong to your letter of February 18 requesting that he sign the enclosed stationary. I am returning the sheets unsigned as Mr. Armstrong does not approve of his signature being used for fund-raising activities, as a prize, or as a gift and never knowingly supplies an autograph for any of these purposes.
We certainly appreciate your interest and extend our best wishes for much success in your endeavors.
Sincerely,
S. B. Weber
Assistant to Mr. Armstrong
“YOUR FOOT IS PLACED IN A NOTED AREA IN MY OFFICE”
March 5, 1971
Dear Neil,
As I did not get the opportunity of meeting you before your departure, I am writing to ask a favor.
As the Foot Specialist of the NASA Area, your foot is placed in a noted area in my office. It is the picture of your foot and footprint on the moon.
Your signature would be greatly revered and appreciated. May I send you a photograph for your hand? I did not want to send it without your permission.
Your consideration would be greatly appreciated!
Very sincerely yours,
Gilmore E. Guster, D. P. M.
Webster, Texas
The famous photograph taken on the lunar surface during Apollo 11 to which Mr. Guster refers captures the footprint of Buzz Aldrin, not Neil Armstrong. To this day, many people think they are seeing Neil’s footprint on the Moon when they see this photograph. No photo of Neil’s lunar footprint was taken.
“14 SIGNATURES REQUESTED”
May 18, 1971
Mr. Armstrong:
Brent Mulcahy brought this in. There are 14 signatures requested; all by Congressman Whalen’s office.
1. autograph for picture of you and the Congressman
2. autograph for picture of you and the Congressman’s Executive Assistant, Bill Steponkus
3. 10 lithos to be used in London, Berlin and Augsburg for hosts of officials of Dayton on their Sister City tour
4. Reproduction from the Dayton Daily News on July 21, 1969
5. First Day of Issue poster containing President’s and PMG’s [Postmaster General’s] signature
There’s a ltr attached from the Congressman to Dale Grubb.
Gennie
At the end of her note to Neil, Geneva Barnes added in her handwriting: “The Congressman is pushing for these as his constituents are leaving soon on the ‘Sister City Tour.’”
Charles W. Whalen Jr. (1920–2011) represented the Ohio 3rd District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1967 to 1979. Prior to that Whalen served in the Ohio House of Representatives (1955–1961) and the Ohio Senate (1961–1967).
“COULD YOU SEND ME ONE OF YOUR SOCKS”
August 5, 1971
Dear Mr. Armstrong,
My name is Fiorella. I am 13 years old and collect socks of the “Greats of the World.”
Could you send me one of your socks, with a certification that you actually wore it. Could you also send me a photograph of yourself.
Sincerely,
Fiorella Giusti
Sermide, Italy
“TWO MINUTES OF YOUR VALUED TIME”
August 30, 1971
Dear Mr. Armstrong:
After learning through our local news that the famous “First Man on the Moon” is about to become a Cincinnatian, a million and a half people, like myself, are filled with pride beyond belief.
I am sure, every human soul in the Greater Cincinnati Area joins me in extending a warm welcome and a successful stay in the Queen City to “Our Man Neil.”
Being mindful of your very busy schedule, I would like to state a request on behalf of an eighteen year old German boy, who is about to take his first trip across the ocean to visit our great nation. It is difficult for me to describe adequately this boy’s admiration for you. To say Hello and shake your hand would turn his visit into an adventure beyond comprehension.
He will be in Cincinnati from October 11, 1971 through December 14, 1971 as a guest in our home. We would be more than pleased to take him anywhere convenient to your schedule and two minutes of your valued time would mean a life time of excitement for him.
Since no one will be at our residence from October 3rd to the 14th, a collect call before October 3rd would be gratefully accepted.
Respectfully yours,
Horst Hickman
Cincinnati, Ohio
“NOT BE MY INTENTION TO BE INVOLVED
IN THIS KIND OF ACTIVITY”
October 14, 1971
Mr. James W. Hancock
Lucas County Republican Party
Toledo, Ohio
Dear Mr. Hancock:
Thank you for your letter and invitation to participate in the Lucas County Republican Party Rally.
I will, on those dates, still officially be a government employee and hence may not legally participate. However, even if this were not true, it would not be my intention to be involved in this kind of activity.
Thank you for your inquiry and interest.
Sincerely,
Neil A. Armstrong
Professor of Aerospace Engineering
“I AM EXPECTING HELP FROM YOU”
October 29, 1971
Dear Sir,
I wish you good luck. God bless you! I am an Indian student. I like you very much since you are the first man who set foot on the moon. This is really a great adventure for, we human beings. And by this adventure you have obtained a good name from us.
Sir, I am interested in science. But, as I am being poor, I have no facilities to study. If you have pity on me, I can study. I am studying in the pre-university class in our college. I am unable even to pay the fees to the college. I have no mother. During my childhood, she had passed away. My father is an old man, refuses to give money for me. My brothers are in good positions. But they too do the same. In this situation, I am expecting help from you. If you help me, now, I will not forget you for ever. Please help me only for studying purpose. I am just weaping on seeing my posture.
If you want to help further, please send me books about ZOOLOGY and ASTRONOMY. I am interested very much in them. Can you send me man landing on the moon—photos? I want to receive a long letter from you and it should be written in your own hand. It must contain your feelings when you were away from the earth, till you return to the earth. If you send me a letter written thus by your hand, I will think that this is the use of my birth.
I humbly request you to send me your separate photo and your family photo. I hope you will send me, all of my requists.
Thanking you,
Yours sincearly,
R. Sigamani
Madras, India
May 23, 1972
Mr. R. Sigamani
Madras, India
Dear Mr. Sigamani:
Mr. Armstrong has asked me to reply to your letter of October 29. I apologize for the delayed response. We regret that Mr. Armstrong cannot provide monetary assistance to help you with your studies. It is financially impossible for him to honor requests of this nature as he has received so many. Perhaps you could contact a local city official or minister for advice on the best source for assistance.
Sincerely,
(Mrs.) Geneva Barnes
Secretary to Mr. Armstrong
“LIKE TO KNOW YOUR SHOE SIZE”
October 29, 1971
Dear Mr. Armstrong,
ZIP Line is a public service feature of the [Toledo, Ohio] Blade which tries to answer questions and help solve problems for our readers.
We have a question from four young readers who would like to know your shoe size. While camping under the starts—and moon—they say they had a discussion about what size shoe you wore. They think they saw the foot print.
If you don’t mind providing the information we’d appreciate it and pass it along to our readers. Also if you have some idea of the length and width of the print your space shoe made we’d like to include that too.
Thanks for your time.
Yours,
Barry Stephen
ZIP Line
Toledo Blade
Reply from S. B. Weber, Neil’s assistant
December 18, 1970
Mr. Barry Stephen
ZIP Line
The Blade
Toledo, Ohio
Dear Mr. Stephen:
Thank you for your letter of October 29, and please accept our apologies for the delayed response.
In answer to your question, Mr. Armstrong wears a size 9 shoe. We are happy to have been able to provide you with this information to pass along to your readers.
With kind regards,
Sincerely,
S. B. Weber
Assistant to Mr. Armstrong
“INAPPROPRIATE TO PARTICIPATE IN A DEDICATION
OF A BUILDING BEARING MY NAME”
November 11, 1971
Mrs. Robert Lieber
Neenah, Wisconsin
Dear Mrs. Lieber:
Thank you for the kind letter and request to reconsider my answer to Dr. Scott’s invitation to join in the dedication. As I stated in my letter to Dr. Scott, I feel it is inappropriate to participate in a dedication of a building bearing my name. I have maintained a consistent policy in this regard for a number of years.
Thank you very much for your interest and best wishes for the success of dedication and your new school.
Sincerely,
Neil A. Armstrong
Professor of Aerospace Engineering
Dr. Donald Scott was the superintendent of Neenah High School. The high school is comprised of three buildings, one of which was named after Neil Armstrong in 1972.
“I HAVE BEEN APPROACHED BY A NUMBER OF AUTHORS”
January 12, 1972
Mr. Jeremy M. Harris
Worthington, Ohio
Dear Mr. Harris:
Thank you for your letter regarding a possible biography directed toward the junior high school and high school levels. I have been approached by a number of authors who have considered similar projects.
I would not be interested, at the present time, in collaborating on a biographical text of any kind, nor am I inclined to endorse the work of another.
Thank you again for your interest.
Sincerely,
Neil A. Armstrong
Professor of Aerospace Engineering
“DECLINE PARTICIPATION IN SUCH AFFAIRS”
January 12, 1972
Mr. Charles W. Reusing
President
Cincinnati Federal Savings and Loan Association
Cincinnati, Ohio
Dear Mr. Reusing:
Mr. Eyrich and Dr. Dennis have forwarded your request for my participation in the Cheviot-Westwood Kiwanis Club as Grand Marshall. I certainly appreciate your thoughtfulness in extending this kind invitation.
It has been my policy, however, to decline participation in such affairs. Such a position is consistent with my previous answers to similar requests for the Rose Bowl Parade, Sugar Bowl Parade, New York Thanksgiving Day Parade, etc.
Please accept my thanks for your interest and my very best wishes for the continued success of the “Harvest Rose Fair.”
Sincerely,
Professor of Aerospace Engineering
“I CAN SEE NO WAY OF ADDRESSING THIS SUBJECT”
January 24, 1972
Dr. Harold H. Wolf
Chairman, Colloquium Committee
The Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio
Dear Dr. Wolf:
I have been delaying my response to your kind request because, frankly, I didn’t know how to answer. I believe I could present a factual account of the use of drugs in space flight, but I am very reluctant to do so.
A presentation to “the entire university community” would seem particularly unwise. Even if the rationale were perfectly developed and stated, straight-forward as it is, I believe it would be misunderstood by some fraction of the audience.
Of more concern is the possible reporting of such a lecture. The general quality of news reporting today gives me no confidence that the subject matter would be interpreted accurately. A news account limited to the fact that I gave a lecture on the subject, with no reporting of the content whatever, would, in my opinion, do a disservice to those who are combatting the misuse of drugs.
In summary, Dr. Wolf, I can see now way of addressing this subject, even though I am perfectly comfortable with the history and decisions in that field over the past decade.
Thank you very much for the invitation, and best wishes for the success of this year’s George Beecher Kauffman Lecture.
Sincerely,
Professor of Aerospace Engineering
“THE CERTIFICATE IS HEREWITH RETURNED”
January 31, 1972
Mr. Henry N. Beard
Executive Editor
National Lampoon
Madison Avenue
New York, New York
Dear Mr. Beard:
Mr. Armstrong has asked me to reply to your January 19 letter notifying him that he has been awarded your Certificate of Achievement for “his part” in the production of the May 1971 cover of your magazine.
To accept the Certificate would imply that Mr. Armstrong knowingly contributed to the production of the May cover and/or endorses the content of the publication. Since neither is true, the Certificate is herewith returned.
Sincerely,
(Mrs.) Geneva Barnes
Secretary to Mr. Armstrong
The centerpiece of the May 1971 cover of the National Lampoon was the famous photo of Buzz Aldrin standing on the lunar surface, with Neil’s reflection in his visor; of course, millions of people at the time, and still today, believe that the astronaut featured in the photo is Neil Armstrong. In the foreground of the cover design are characters from the Buck Rogers comic strip with the caption, “The Future: It Came from 1971.” The cover also gave the title of one of the feature articles inside the issue: “Zero Gravity Sex Manual.” The designer of the cover was Gray Morrow, famous for his National Lampoon cover designs.
“BRING THE CHILDREN TO SEE THE HORSE FARM”
February 27, 1972
Dear Mr. Armstrong—
John writes us from Chile that he has extended to you an invitation to be with us at Derby in Louisville. This is always the first Saturday in May—when Kentucky is at its prettiest.
We would be delighted to have you and Mrs. Armstrong as our guests at that time and at any time that you might like to bring the children to see the horse farm or take a ride on our “Belle of Louisville” on the Ohio.
I would have addressed this to Mrs. Armstrong if I had your home address.
With best wishes.
Cordially,
Dara G. Wood
(Mrs. Howard J.)
Louisville, Kentucky
Personal reply from Neil
March 28, 1972
Mrs. Howard J. Wood
Louisville, Kentucky 40207
Dear Mrs. Wood:
Thank you for your note and invitation to join you at the time of the Derby. I have standing invitations from several of my college friends who also live in the Louisville area. I only had one opportunity to see the race several years ago and as I understand it, the finish is still in contention. My college friends have asked me not to come back until they have decided who owes whom how much on the basis of my last visit.
Please accept our very sincere thanks for your kind offer and our very best wishes for the future.
Sincerely,
Neil A. Armstrong
Professor of Aerospace Engineering
“LIKE TO HAVE AN APOLLO ASTRONAUT WITH US
FOR THE INAUGURATION OF THIS GARAGE”
December 21, 1972
Dear Mr. Armstrong,
At the beginning of March next year we shall open a new garage in Lausanne (Switzerland) at the lake of Geneva.
As the name of our garage is Apollo, we would like to have an Apollo astronaut with us for the inauguration of this garage.
I have got your address from the Nasa. Do you think there is a possibility to have you as our guest? I would be very thankful to you for your coming and assure you that we would do our best to make your stay in Switzerland as pleasant as possible.
Hoping to hear from you soon we remain,
Your sincerely,
GARAGE APOLLO Henri Favre S A.
Hugo Decrauzat
Manager
Renens, Switzerland
January 3, 1973
Mr. Hugo Decrauzat
Manager
GARAGE APOLLO Henri Favre S.A.
Renens, Switzerland
Dear Mr. Decrauzat:
Thank you for your kind invitation to participate in the inauguration of your new garage. Regretfully, classes will be in session during that time period and I will, therefore, be unable to leave my university duties.
Please accept my best wishes for the success of Garage Apollo.
Sincerely,
Neil A. Armstrong
Professor of Aerospace Engineering
“PLEASED TO MAKE AN EXCEPTION”
February 12, 1973
The Honorable J. W. Davis
Mayor, City of Huntsville
Huntsville, Alabama
Dear Mayor Davis:
I was most surprised to receive the certificate and key to the city. Normally, I do not accept honorary membership but am pleased to make an exception in the case of Huntsville.
Your thoughtfulness is very much appreciated. Please convey my thanks to the appropriate officials of your city management.
Neil A. Armstrong
Professor of Engineering
“MISS NUDE WORLD CONTEST”
May 29, 1973
Dear Neil:
Naked City (America’s largest nudist resort) is a division of Air Check/Videochex … and the site for the annual MISS NUDE WORLD CONTEST (held this year on Saturday, June 30th), as well as the MISS & MISTER NUDE AMERICA CONTESTS (to be held this year on Saturday, August 4th)!
I wonder if you would honor us with your presence as a Judge for either of these events? Other celebrity Judges in the past have included Archie Campbell, Rocky Graziano, June Wilkinson, Johnnie Ray and Robert Horton, as well as World famous authors, scientists and artists. The Contest itself is held on Naked City’s ultra-modern Sundial Stage, and lasts approximately 90 minutes. Your round-trip expenses would be fully paid, and either a Naked City Lincoln Limousine or helicopter would transport you from Chicago’s O’Hare or Midway airport directly to Naked City.
I do hope you will accept my invitation, and wonder if you would also be good enough to send me a personally autographed picture? I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Most sincerely,
Dick Drost
President
Naked City, Inc.
Roselawn, Indiana
July 20, 1973
Dear Mr. Armstrong,
In Feb. 1974 I will be doing a TV show about a project which I have working for 5 years, a new National Holiday, “Moon Day,” July 20, 1974.
If you support this project now, not 80 years from now, I have letter from Senators and Congressmen who are for this idea.
Let’s mark it now. I need your support today.
Best of luck in ’74.
Richard Christmas
Lansing, Michigan
An avid space enthusiast since boyhood, Richard Christmas, would write letters to Congress for over forty years in an attempt to set aside a day dedicated to space exploration. Although his letters did not result in a national “Space Day” as he hoped, his letters led to ten Michigan cities, and sixteen cities in other states, dedicating a day—and sometimes a week—to the study and celebration of space exploration.
“DOES NOT WISH TO GRANT THAT PERMISSION”
July 24, 1973
Miss Karen Astner
Permissions Editor
Hallmark Cards, Inc.
Kansas City, Missouri
Dear Miss Astner,
In reply to your letters of June 6 and July 17, requesting Professor Armstrong to sign applications for permission to reprint an excerpt from a “Life” magazine article, please be advised that Professor Armstrong does not wish to grant that permission.
Sincerely,
Ruta Bankovskis
Secretary to Professor Neil Armstrong
The article for which Hallmark Cards was asking reprint permission was “A Great Leap for Mankind,” August 1, 1969, Vol. 67, pages 28–29. According to its Application for Permission to Reprint, Hallmark planned to publish the excerpt—315 words long—in a hardbound trade book, 64 pages long, entitled Great Moments of Our Time by Robert Aldace Wood. The excerpt would include Neil’s famous first words on the Moon. For the world rights to this excerpt, Hallmark proposed paying Neil a fee of $21.
“I HOPE YOU CAN APPRECIATE MY
POSITION ON THIS MATTER”
January 9, 1974
The Honorable C. L. Washburn
Assistant Secretary for Tourism
U.S. Department of Commerce
Washington, D.C.
Dear Mr. Secretary:
Thank you for inviting me to participate in your program to promote foreign tourism in the U.S.
This is certainly an important ingredient in the American economy, and I applaud your efforts toward its improvement. I ask, however, that I not be included in this particular article. Without going into individual reasons, I hope you can appreciate my position on this matter.
Best wishes for the success of your efforts in increasing the tourist business within the United States.
Sincerely,
Neil A. Armstrong
Professor of Aerospace Engineering
C. Langhorne Washburn (1918–2011) was a navy veteran of World War II, businessman (with Hiller Aircraft), and Republic Party leader who first became active in politics while working with several grassroots organizations toward the presidential election of Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1952. Although he kept his early career in the corporate world, he returned often to politics, among other things serving as director of finance for the Nelson Rockefeller for President Committee in 1964 and as director of finance for the Republican National Finance Committee from 1965 to 1969. Washburn then entered federal service, in 1970 becoming the assistant secretary of commerce for tourism for the Nixon Administration. Leaving government in 1977, he became vice president for Disney’s Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow in Florida.
“I HAVE DECLINED PARTICIPATION IN
‘FEATURE’ AND ‘FILLER’ ARTICLES”
February 27, 1974
Mr. Joe Ziemba, Managing Editor
IPC Magazine
Scranton Publishing Company, Inc.
Chicago, Illinois
Dear Mr. Ziemba:
Thank you for your letter and invitation to be profiled in your spring or summer issue.
As a matter of policy, I have declined participation in “feature” and “filler” articles. I do occasionally author short pieces, and should I write such a piece in your field, I’ll certainly keep your new magazine in mind for your possible interest.
Again, please accept my thanks for your kind invitation.
Sincerely,
Neil Armstrong
Professor of Aerospace Engineering
“WE AT INVESTING WOULD LIKE TO INTERVIEW YOU”
April 15, 1974
Dear Mr. Armstrong,
We at Investing would like to interview you on the subject of investing: how your ideas on how money should be managed.
The enclosed issue will give you a notion of the kind of interview we do: in January, it was with Art Buchwald; in February, Mario Andretti; in March, Art Linkletter. We’ve also interviewed Richard Tucker, Billie Jean King and Joe Namath.
Investing is distributed by some of the country’s major brokerage houses to their larger clients. Our clients include Bache, Blyth Eastman Dillon, Hayden Stone, E. F. Hutton and Dean Witter. Our circulation is 250,000.
If you agree, we would come to Cincinnati at your convenience.
Sincerely,
Robert J. Cirino
April 17, 1974
Mr. Robert C. Cirino
Investing
Madison Avenue
New York, New York
Dear Mr. Cirino:
Thank you for your interest in including an interview article in a forthcoming issue of Investing.
As a government employee, and more recently as a university faculty member, I’ve had little contact with or participation in the investment community. My personal resources have always been so limited that I don’t believe I could provide any interesting material for such an article.
Thanks, anyway, for your thoughtfulness in asking.
Sincerely,
Neil A. Armstrong
Professor of Aerospace Engineering
“KIND INVITATION TO ADDRESS THE CORPS OF CADETS”
April 24, 1974
Stephen Douglas Townes
Company D-4
US Corps of Cadets
West Point, New York
Dear Cadet Townes:
Your letter has been forwarded to me here at the University of Cincinnati after some delay.
I appreciate your kind invitation to address the Corps of Cadets, a privilege which I enjoyed three years ago.
Although I am a formal naval officer, and still can’t take kindly your “Beat Navy” slogan, please don’t conclude that is the reason for my declining your request. My duties here at the university and various government responsibilities limit my outside commitments severely making it impossible to participate in the number of events I might in other circumstances enjoy.
Thanks again for your thoughtfulness in asking.
Sincerely,
Neil A. Armstrong
Professor of Aerospace Engineering
“I HAVE NOT ACCEPTED INDIVIDUAL INTERVIEWS”
April 24, 1974
Mrs. Sallie G. Beck
Staff Coordinator
International Visitors Center, Inc.
Mercantile Library Building
Cincinnati, Ohio
Dear Mrs. Beck,
I have, for several years, maintained a policy of restricting my contact with the media to occasional press conferences. I have not accepted individual interviews, except when connected to significant news events.
I appreciate the difficulties that this presents to foreign correspondents, but I don’t see how I can honor their requests while declining those of their American colleagues.
Neil A. Armstrong
Professor of Aerospace Engineering
“WERE THE ASTRONAUTS HUMAN?”
August 26, 1974
Sir:
It was a pleasure talking with you briefly last week. As I mentioned at the time, I respect and understand your position on interviews. But you must understand that I’m a newspaperman, and all too often that means I have to badger, conjole, plead, pull my hair and stomp the floor to get a story. I’m paid to be a gadfly, which is why I’m buzzing around your head now.
I’m wondering if you would object to responding to a written question, replying either in writing or by telephone.
Actually, it’s one major question, with many sides. It’s one we touched on briefly over the telephone.
On one level, my question is simple: Were you frightened at the prospects of what might happen to you once you left earth? Did you prepare your wife for the eventuality that you might not return? Did you consider resigning? Did your experiences make you any more or less religious?
On a higher level, I’m really asking, “Were the astronauts human?”
It’s not a ridiculous question, because they were not sold to us as human … and a selling job was essentially what it was. An extraterrestrial public relations build-up.
NASA had to sell the idea of spending billions of dollars on something of little tangible benefit. They sold it by making the astronauts, the training program, the entire goal of conquest of space, bigger than life.
It was all so damned noble, this beating those Russians and landing on the moon first. FIRST—that was the key word. To be second was to be beaten, to lose the race. FIRST was a national priority, and the astronauts were the personification of the dreams of a nation.
It must have been a crushing burden—but so much was spoken and written, and we hungry Americans ate it up so easily and quickly then begged for more, that it must have been so very easy to believe the press clippings. Did you begin to lose perspective? I would have.
Let’s face it: you ARE different from me. You’re not only driven by different things, but you’ve seen and experienced different things—things only a handful of humans have ever seen, experienced, lived.
But where does the difference stop? I’m quite sure that, given the chance, I would say ‘No thanks’ to a trip to the moon. Sure, I want to go—but I don’t want to risk my life or to put in all the hard work that such a trip would require.
You stepped onto the moon the month after my wife and I were married—the week after we returned from our honeymoon, in fact. I cried that night. Honestly. And I think that one of the things that made it more appealing was you.
You were so … well, ordinary looking. That wasn’t Randolph Scott or Cary Grant on that fuzzy screen. It was an everyday person. If he can walk on the moon, I thought, I can do whatever I want to do.
And I did. I became a writer. A moderately good one, too.
Yes, you were so HUMAN it was an inspiration—but on the other hand, you weren’t. I’m still in awe of you, as I mentioned over the telephone. And I feel more than a little bit silly writing this letter to you.
But that’s the effect the astronauts had on an entire generation. The Space Generation. I told my wife I had talked to you, and she wanted to know everything I said and everything you said and if you were pleasant and how your voice sounded and … well, you get the idea.
You must sometimes feel as though you’re a ghost walking among the living: they want to touch you, but shy away from you. I envy you for a lot of reasons, but that isn’t one of them.
I unwrapped a golf ball once. Cut open the cover and unwrapped all that rubbery stuff inside. I was both surprised and pleased to discover an ordinary black rubber ball at the center. It made me happy. I understood it; I knew how it worked. One of my friends told me there was a secret kind of water inside; another said there was a peanut; still another said there was a little bomb that would explode.
But today I know what’s inside and that understanding gives me pleasure and a sense of accomplishment.
Aren’t you tired of talking or thinking about the things I have brought up in the letter—surely it’s something you’ve been over countless times before.
But perhaps you would like the little rubber ball inside you to remain at your center forever. I can understand that.
I guess I’m asking you to unwrap yourself—if only partially. So I can understand. Also a lot of other people like me can understand. Then, maybe, so you can better understand.
It need not be lengthy or pretentious: a page, a paragraph, a three-minute phone call, a book, a word … whatever it takes.
With apologies for intruding upon you and with hopes of hearing from you soon, I remain,
Cordially,
Michael Willis
Lantana, Florida
Mr. Willis appended all the different phone numbers that Neil could call to reach him.
Personal reply from Neil
October 2, 1974
Dear Mr. Willis,
I have found your letter awaiting my return to the campus after being away for about a month.
I appreciate your candor in detailing your intentions and point of view. I will not change my position, however, … and when I do have something to say, I’ll try to say it myself, rather than have someone else, with better articulation say it for me.
All the best,
Neil A. Armstrong
Professor of Aerospace Engineering
“CONTRIBUTED TO THE ‘VALUE CONFUSION’
OF CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY”
October 1, 1974
Mr. Paul B. Edwards
Director, Pacific Regional Office
United States Committee for United Nations Children’s Fund
Pasadena, California
Dear Mr. Edwards:
I was very sorry to hear that you are going into the “celebrity auction” business. It seems to me to be one of those things that has contributed to the “value confusion” of contemporary society.
I have been an active UNICEF supporter. I do not, however, think that the end justifies the means.
I hope you will try to understand my position in this matter. I give my autograph freely to all who ask, but must return your cards unsigned.
Sincerely,
Neil A. Armstrong
Professor of Aerospace Engineering
Mr. Edwards was proposing to Neil that he sign a number of UNICEF greeting cards for the 1974 holiday season, which would be auctioned off to the highest bidder for the benefit of the hungry children of UNICEF.
“I CAN’T THINK OF ANY REASON I WOULD
WANT TO APPEAR ON A POSTER”
December 2, 1974
Vern Hammarlund, Inc.
Troy, Michigan
Dear Mr. Hammarlund:
You are certainly welcome to drop in anytime to discuss your proposed “Great Americans” poster project.
I don’t want to imply encouragement. I can’t think of any reason why I would want to appear on a poster.
Anyway, the door is open and phone line is clear (usually).
Sincerely,
Neil A. Armstrong
Professor of Aerospace Engineering
January 20, 1975
Dear Mr. Armstrong,
I decided to send some rough layouts to you rather than bring them to Cincinnati myself. I feel this will give you more time to consider my proposal, and the ideas indicated in the layouts.
Since you first raised the question of appearing on a poster, I have given a lot of thought to what your personal feelings might be, and would like to begin by first presenting my thoughts on this subject. As I said in my last letter, I honestly had not considered the fact that you might ask, “Why would I want to appear on a poster?” I’m sure you have other questions concerning the photograph, and I feel I can adequately answer them. However, when I’ve finished my proposal, and if you continue to wish to remain out of it, I will accept your decision and respect your privacy.
Recently, I attempted to gain a better insight into the post-lunar private lives of the astronauts. I visited the Kennedy Space Center in an attempt to better understand the entire space program. I also read Buzz Aldrin’s book and large portions of another book sold at the space center. If anything, I’ve come out of it convinced that the astronauts are indeed, “Great Americans”, and that Neil Armstrong is right for my poster.
It is very difficult to present my thoughts on this without sounding like I am trying to con you. My pitch is honest and straight forward, I hope you read it this way. I simply want to do another poster in my series of “Great” posters, with the idea being to tie-in to the 1976 bi-centennial. I want to do something on The Americana Theme. America badly needs a hero. If there is one underlying, universal feeling, that Americans have as a result of Watergate, it seems to be a feeling of distrust of public officials. The president has long been an American hero. Now we need a new hero. I’ve honestly got to say that I personally hold the astronauts in great esteem. I think I had the same lump in my throat and the same chills to see you step on the moon, as I would have at age 10. At age 43, I’d like to remind those who opposed the space program, that whether they liked it or not, it took one hell’ova guy to get into that capsule and let himself be blasted into space.
You might ask, “How could my poster possibly reach the millions of people necessary, to effect this problem one tiny bit?” It can’t, but it’s an important start. I’ll print about 3,000 copies of the poster. I’ll give them to art directors, writers, and creative directors, in key advertising agencies all over the country. This is a small segment of the population. It is often a jaded group of people, and outwardly at least, not taken to admitting to having a hero. I said “outwardly”—but these same people really are very human, typical, All American, and they help influence a lot of thinking in this country. This poster would come out at a time when all advertising people are deeply involved in projects for 1976.
I visualize a very human shot of you at dawn, standing at the end of main street U.S.A. A town like Milan, Ohio, where Thomas Edison was born—a town with a great square or main street would be nice. Possibly, Wapakoneta works for this. I’ve not been there yet, but I’ll look it over. Possibly an early morning shot on the University of Cincinnati campus with you crossing the commons would be right. Possibly a shot in a classroom is better. The point is that these same advertising people recognize a “Great” job and that’s what this is all about.
Possibly it is difficult for you to understand how I could want to put out so much effort for no monetary return. Are these posters not a “give away?” Yes they are. For me, the poster is therapeutic. It’s a change from the day-by-day commercial world in which I work. This is my way of showing the advertising world that I’m still trying to be creative, that I want to compete, and that I like to conceive an idea and carry it out to completion.
There is another facet to this entire project I’ll mention for whatever it is worth. I don’t know if you still have commitments to Time-Life, Inc., or others, that would preclude your getting involved in advertisements or television commercials. I also do not know what your personal feelings are on the subject, but I did see your picture in an ad for General Time Corporation. If you are interested in commercials, there is always the chance that this poster could help in that direction by being on hand where those decisions are made.
To me, Mr. Armstrong, it all boils down to, “why not?” I simply want to take a picture of a “Great American.” You would not be endorsing any product or any person. Your picture has been taken thousands of times. This time someone wants to print the picture and remind Americans that you did it first.
I would have my lawyer prepare, and give to you before we take any pictures, a letter guaranteeing that I would receive absolutely no income from the poster. I would also give you a substantial number of posters if you wanted them, for whatever use you wish. They will be designed so that my name can be easily cut off the bottom without effecting the picture of you. In my first letter, I stated that the project pays no money. I wanted to make it plain, that in no way could I compete with Time-Life, Inc. and other large industries. I did not want to embarrass you by offering you what we usually pay professional models for their services. Since my first letter, I have decided that I could, if you wish, make a donation of $100 to your favorite charity in your name. We often do this in our business to repay a person of substantial means, for his help in a particular project.
The layouts are rough but I believe you will get the general idea from them. I have also included a stat of a photograph that someone once did of Frank Lloyd Wright. It is a good indication of the type of strong, graphic form, that I would use in the poster of you. Layouts number 3 & 4 are indoor things, such as in your classroom and might have the feeling of the Wright photograph. I especially like the idea of a classroom since, because I feel a special closeness to this subject, having recently given a graduation address in Santa Barbara, California. I also will be lecturing at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design next summer and then again in California.
As a final note, Mr. Armstrong, I have included with this letter, a photograph of the John Kennedy memorial at Arlington. I shot it while on an assignment for United Airlines. I included it, because it shows another example of the type of rich color and light that I would use in the “—Great Americans” poster. I also sent it along, because I would like you to have it as a gesture of my appreciation for taking so much of your time up to this point. Mr. Armstrong, you still don’t know me from Adam. I appreciate the time you have given to the consideration of my poster, and I’ll accept your decision, whatever it may be. Many thanks.
Sincerely,
Vern Hammarlund
Troy, Michigan
Over the years Neil would receive all sorts of business deals and other schemes designed to take advantage of his fame and celebrity—he would say an unequivocal no to virtually every one of them. In this case, Vern Hammarlund of Troy, Michigan, wanted to publish a heroic poster of Armstrong as one of the great American heroes. It is actually quite surprising that Neil, in his first reply to Hammarlund, gave him his contact information, as Neil hardly ever did that. The likely reason was that Vern W. Hammarlund (1931–2015) was quite an accomplished photographer, known primarily for his advertising photography of the 1960s on behalf of the Detroit automobile industry.
February 5, 1975
Vern Hammarlund
Troy, Michigan
Dear Mr. Hammarlund:
You are a persuasive writer and I appreciate your candor. I must, however, decline your invitation. I simply prefer to not appear on a poster.
It was very thoughtful to send the Kennedy Memorial photograph. I can’t keep it (because of its value) and I can’t return it (crass), so I’ll turn it over to our Art Department for others to study.
I send my best wishes for your continued success.
Sincerely,
Neil A. Armstrong
Professor of Aerospace Engineering
“LAUNCH THE BEST, BIGGEST AND
MOST SUCCESSFUL OLDSMOBILE DEALERSHIP”
December 27, 1974
Dear Mr. Armstrong:
Just to plead my case, I have never hit a home run in the Big Leagues, never ran a touchdown against Green Bay, have yet to make a hole in one, was never offered a top spot in TV nor sang in Carnegie Hall, but what I am trying to do is a first in my profession.
To say that I am proud, is putting it mildly, but with your help and the help of many others, I hope to launch the Best, Biggest and Most Successful Oldsmobile Dealership in the Midwest. Please try to make my opening a success. Your presence would mean so much to me. This is the time Now! This is the Place! I would appreciate your help at this Hour. God bless you.
Sincerely,
GEORGE WHITE OLDSMOBILE, INC.
George W. White, Pres.
Cincinnati. Ohio
“MOST PLEASED TO AUTOGRAPH THE
STAMPS FOR TENZING NORGAY”
January 9, 1975
Mr. Carlton S. Fernyak
President
The Mansfield Typewriter and Office Supply Company
Mansfield, Ohio
Dear Mr. Fernyak:
I would be most pleased to autograph the stamps for Tenzing Norgay. I had the pleasure of meeting him several years ago at an Explorers Club meeting in New York.
I appreciate your forwarding the picture and his autograph. Send the stamps at your convenience and I’ll try to return them promptly.
We don’t have the Bonanza [airplane] any more, but I do get a chance to fly enough to keep current.
Sincerely,
Neil A. Armstrong
Professor of Aerospace Engineering
Tenzing Norgay (1914–1986) was the Indian and Nepali Sherpa mountaineer most famous for being one of the first two individuals known to reach the summit of Mount Everest, along with Edmund Hillary, on May 29, 1953. Neil Armstrong became a good friend of Hillary and a great admirer of Tenzing Norgay, thus agreeing to autograph stamps for him when he likely would not have done so for most other people. It is not known how Carlton S. Fernyak (1898–1987), a prominent Mansfield businessman, came to know either Norgay or Armstrong.
“FAMOUS PEOPLE’S EYE GLASSES MUSEUM”
January 11, 1975
Dear Mr. Armstrong,
We would like to add a pair of your eye glasses to the growing FAMOUS PEOPLE’S EYE GLASSES MUSEUM. It would be appreciated by us if you would send us a pair of your old glasses, regardless of their condition, along with a letter attesting to their authenticity.
Thank you,
Dr. M. J. Bagley
Director
Reply from Luanna J. Fisher, Neil’s secretary
January 16, 1975
Dr. M. J. Bagley
Director
Famous People’s Eye Glasses Museum
Henderson, Nevada
Dear Dr. Bagley,
Professor Armstrong has asked me to thank you for your letter of January 11, 1975.
Professor Armstrong does not wear glasses, and therefore, is unable to comply with your request.
Sincerely,
(Miss) Luanna J. Fisher
Secretary to Professor Neil A. Armstrong
“YOUR NAME WILL CARRY WEIGHT”
February 17, 1975
Dear Professor Armstrong,
I know you must be overwhelmed by requests of one kind or another, but I know how helpful you can be.
Enclosed is material about the black birds the Army is planning to destroy by chemicals, and alternatives to this plan which would be better for man as well as the birds.
I am hopeful you will feel it important to contact the Secretary of Defense, James Schlesinger, c/o of the Pentagon, Washington, D.C. 20301.
Your name will carry weight.
I am writing this as a representative of The League for Animal Welfare, a Cincinnati private humane society.
Sincerely,
Aimee B. Heilbronn (Mrs. Ralph)
Cincinnati, Ohio
P.S. The spraying of the blackbirds in Paducah, Kentucky, last night was an individual city project—lamentable, but something out of our hands. If we act promptly, we still hope to stop this at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and Milan, Tennessee.
“RETURNING YOUR FLAG (UNDER SEPARATE COVER)”
February 27, 1975
Mr. Bob White
Baltimore, Maryland
Dear Mr. White:
Professor Armstrong has asked me to answer your letter. He is returning your flag (under separate cover) unsigned as it is his belief that marking on the U.S. flag constitutes defacement and is, therefore, illegal.
He would be pleased to sign any other non-philatelic items that you would provide in its place.
Sincerely,
(Miss) Luanna J. Fisher
Secretary to Professor Neil A. Armstrong
“MOTIVATE BY EXAMPLE RATHER THAN
BY INDIVIDUAL DISCUSSION”
May 2, 1975
Mr. & Mrs. Dale V. Witt
Worthington, Ohio
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Witt:
Thank you for your letter on behalf of your son David.
The volume of mail received by Professor Armstrong precludes the possibility of returning individual motivational letters to young people. With the exception of his own students, practicality demands that he motivate by example rather than by individual discussion or correspondence. We hope you will try to understand our position in this matter.
If there is any way in which more information about the programs of this university would be of interest to your son, please let us know and we’ll be very happy to forward the request to the proper office.
Sincerely,
(Miss) Luanna J. Fisher
Secretary to Professor Neil A. Armstrong
“WRITE A SMALL MESSAGE TO ELVIS PRESLEY”
June 19, 1975
Professor Armstrong!
I know you are very busy, but I sure would appreciate if you would take a moment of your time to write a small message to Elvis Presley?
After 21 years of Great Entertainment, he is entitle to a Salute! Ms. Joyce Gentry has selected me to write to Special People like yourself and ask them to write a message. As she is having a book published, which she will present to Elvis at his home in Tennessee this August. Several Governors, Mayors, Senators and Ball players have already sent messages and I sure would be very happy if the Greatest Hero in the World would Salute the Greatest Entertainer in the World!
Professor Armstrong, I am proud to have your picture in my Living room a Truly Great, American. Good Luck in Everything you do!
Thank you,
White Plains, New York
“APOLLO 11 COMMEMORATIVE BREAKFAST”
June 30, 1975
Dear Professor Armstrong:
The Sponsors and the Board of Advisors of the Apollo 11 Commemorative Breakfast are pleased to extend a special invitation to you to attend and participate in this memorable event. We have always felt that the launch of Apollo 11 should be memorialized as one of the most significant events in the history of the Nation—if not the world. There is need to preserve the legacy of our Space Program and to honor the thousands of dedicated people who made it, and Apollo 11, the greatest achievement of the century. The Charter Breakfast is dedicated to this purpose. From its modest beginnings, we hope that it will grow and flourish into an annual event of national significance.
The Charter Breakfast will be held at the Press Site on the John F. Kennedy Space Center at 0830 hours on Wednesday, 16 July 1975. Coffee and doughnuts will be served and short statements of commemoration will be made by key Apollo 11 participants like yourself. At T-3 minutes we will replay, by audio/visual means, the actual countdown sequence of the launch—culminating with the lift-off of Apollo 11 at 0932 hours.
We would be honored if you would accept our invitation to attend and speak at this event. As one of the Apollo 11 Astronauts, we are sure that you have some deep feelings and fond memories that you would like to share with the attendees. The actual program will last less than one hour so we will not burden you with a long speech.
We sincerely hope that you will give our invitation your favorable consideration and that you will be able to join us on this memorable occasion.
Sincerely,
R. P. Murkshe, Chairman, Canaveral Council of Technical Societies George M. Megular, Vice-Chairman, Apollo-Soyuz Contractors
Personal reply from Neil
August 6, 1975
R. P. Murkshe, Chairman, Canaveral Council of Technical Societies, Apollo 11 Commemoration Breakfast
Cape Canaveral, Florida
Dear Mr. Murkshe:
Your kind invitation to join you at the Apollo 11 Commemoration breakfast was unfortunately mislaid and only recently came to my attention.
Of course, I did not attend the launch and would not have been able to participate in any case. I do appreciate the honor of the invitation and am most pleased that Apollo 11 is remembered in this manner.
Sincerely,
Neil A. Armstrong
Professor of Aerospace Engineering
“NEVER DREAMED THAT SPACE FLIGHT WOULD
BECOME A REALITY IN HIS LIFETIME”
July 1, 1975
Eric Felton
Edina, Minnesota
Dear Eric:
Professor Armstrong is away for the summer but I know the answer to your question.
When he was in school, he never dreamed that space flight would become a reality in his lifetime.
Probably you are unable to guess what might happen in yours.
Sincerely,
(Miss) Luanna J. Fisher
Secretary to Professor Neil A. Armstrong
“I REALIZE YOU COULD MAKE A SPEECH 7 DAYS A WEEK”
November 2, 1976
Dear Neil:
By now you have heard from Jim Greenwood regarding our fervent hope you can visit with and talk to the Ohio Pilots Association, a fine group of general aviation pilots right there in your own home state. I would not recommend you accept their invitation had I not been there at their annual meeting last year at the instigation of Mrs. Louise Timken, who sort of spear-heads the organization. Lou is one of the first ladies in aviation and is a board member with me on Wings of Hope, an aviation oriented charity. I’m sure you are acquainted with Lou.
The organization suggests a date next March, preferably March 11. They would jet down to Cincinnati, pick you up around 5 p.m., and have you back home from Canton that evening immediately following the dinner.
Neil, I realize you could make a speech 7 days a week, 365 days a year if you accepted all the invitations. Before I hit senior citizenship I was very much in demand on the burp circuit and speechmaking became anathema. But sometimes it was enjoyable and less of a duty than originally figured, and I do think the Canton appearance would be an enjoyable one for you as it was for me. One of the highlights of my visit was a reception at Lou’s country estate with all the major industrialists of that area in attendance who have a deep interest in all things aeronautical.
Believe me, neither Jim Greenwood nor I would give you a bum steer. Rather, I suppose that nine times out of ten we’d recommend you decline burdensome invitations (altho they are all complimentary). With your CPT and general aviation background, with the occasion right there in your own back yard and with such great Americans as host, Jim and I know you’d find it a pleasant and rewarding evening, and your wife, too, if she could attend. And should you mention some of your early (CPT) days, I’d even fly up from Texas!
Please give it some thought.
Incidentally, after our dinner at Otto Pobanz’s home last summer, I had dinner with Bill Long and gave him your regards. Not long afterwards we lost him. He died peacefully in his sleep. What a full life he had!
Sincerely,
George
GEORGE E. HADDAWAY
Dallas, Texas
George E. Haddaway (1909–1998) was one of Neil’s long-time friends in the world of aviation. A prominent fixture in the north Texas aviation scene for decades as a pilot and aviation journalist, he became friends with many aviation legends around the world—not just Armstrong but also Jimmy Doolittle, Charles Lindbergh, and Wiley Post. Along the way he amassed a large collection of aviation memorabilia that would eventually be housed in the Doolittle Library at the University of Texas at Dallas. Haddaway also formed Wings of Hope, a charity that provided light aircraft as well as pilots and equipment for humanitarian relief to people in remote locations around the world. In 1975 Jim Greenwood (1920–2011) was senior vice president of Learjet. Previous to that, he had been the manager of press relations for Beech Aircraft and director of public affairs for the Federal Aviation Administration. He was recognized nationally as one of the premier authorities on the global general aviation industry. From 1972 to 1983 Otto Pobanz (1922–2015) was a prominent member of the executive board of the National Business Aviation Association. Pobanz himself was an aviation pioneer, beginning flight lessons at the age of sixteen in a Taylor Cub and amassing more than 1,000 hours by the time he was nineteen. Pobanz was one of only three commissioned officers under age twenty-one in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After the war he became active in the world of corporate aviation, becoming an executive pilot/captain for RCA in 1956 and chief pilot and flight operations manager for Federated Department Stores in 1957. Through the end of the century he was busy with numerous safety issues, serving on a number of aviation government/industry panels. William F. “Bill” Long (1894–1976) was another stalwart of the Texas aviation scene. A World War I aviator, Bill played a prominent role in the development of Dallas aviation as owner of the Dallas Aviation School and Air College and primary promoter of the development of Love Field.
Personal reply from Neil
November 12, 1976
Mr. George E. Haddaway
Dallas, Texas
Dear George:
How the Ohio Pilots Association coerced two non-Buckeyes to represent them is a mystery worthy of “Columbo” or “Ellery Queen.”
You were most persuasive on their behalf, I must say. I wish I could be so eloquent in declining.
As Jimmie Doolittle and I are chairing the Lindbergh Memorial Fund Campaign, I would be obliged to spend my time to coerce them out of their billfolds (for a worthy cause). They would be sorry they asked me and I would be uncomfortable as well.
I do appreciate being asked by my fellow Ohio pilots and hope they’ll understand.
I hope our paths cross again soon.
Sincerely,
Neil A. Armstrong
Professor of Aerospace Engineering & Applied Mechanics
“GO THROUGH QUITE A FEW ENSHRINEMENTS
BEFORE GETTING AROUND TO ME”
November 5, 1976
Mr. Kenneth W. Wisenbaugh, Staff Coordinator
Aviation Development Committee
Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce
Cincinnati, Ohio
Dear Ken:
Many thanks for your kind recommendation to the Aviation Hall of Fame.
I personally hope, however, that they go through quite a few enshrinements before getting around to me.
All the best.
Sincerely,
Neil A. Armstrong
Professor of Aerospace Engineering & Applied Mechanics
“I HAVE NOT GENERALLY ALLOWED IT TO BE RAFFLED”
October 6, 1978
Dr. Neal P. Jeffries
Director
Center for Manufacturing Technology
Cincinnati, Ohio
Dear Neal:
I found your letter awaiting my return to the campus after the summer.
Although I have made my signature available for certain charities, I have not generally allowed it to be raffled at charitable auctions; however worthy.
I doubt that you would believe how many celebrity auctions there are every week!
I hope things are going well with you; hope our paths cross soon.
Sincerely,
Neil A. Armstrong
Professor of Aerospace Engineering & Applied Mechanics
“I ASK THAT YOU NOT WRITE THE PROFILE”
November 29, 1978
Mr. Donnie Wheeler
People Today Department
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Cincinnati, Ohio
Dear Mr. Wheeler:
Thank you for your thoughtful request for an interview. As you may know, I have, for some years, maintained a policy of restricting media contacts to those involving “hard” news. I believe this to be a reasonable position.
I acknowledge that you can, as you state, write feature articles without the permission of the subject. Public good and personal freedom are ever in opposition. I do not believe, however, that the Enquirer would choose to subjugate individual rights unless the public good were very well served as a result.
I ask that you not write the profile. By copy of this to Mr. Keating, I apprise your management of my wish. Should you feel you have a perspective that I’ve failed to consider, I’d be most pleased to know of it.
Sincerely,
Neil A. Armstrong
Professor of Aerospace Engineering & Applied Mechanics
A lawyer who had served as an assistant Ohio attorney general, William John Keating (b. 1927) became a Cincinnati Municipal Court judge and judge of the Ohio Court of Common Pleas in Hamilton County. From 1967 to 1970 he served on the Cincinnati City Council, before moving to the U.S. House of Representatives from 1971 to 1974, representing Ohio’s 1st congressional district. Keating resigned from Congress to become president and CEO of the Cincinnati Enquirer. Keating and Armstrong became good friends. Keating’s brother, Charles (1923–2014), was a Cincinnati lawyer, real estate developer, banker, and financier, best known for his role in the savings and loan scandal of the late 1980s.
Mr. Wheeler did not write his feature story on Armstrong. However, in its Sunday edition on July 18, 1999, long after Bill Keating had left the paper, the Enquirer ran a long feature story entitled “Neil Armstrong, Reluctant Hero,” by John Johnston, Saundra Amrhein, and Richelle Thompson.
“MY OWN CONTRIBUTIONS WERE VERY MODEST”
August 14, 1979
John W. Vester, M.D.
Director
Clinical Support Laboratory
Good Samaritan Hospital
Cincinnati, Ohio
Dear Dr. Vester:
Thank you for conveying Mr. [Jaan] Kangilaski’s interest in the parallel interests of Mr. [Charles] Lindbergh and myself.
Unfortunately, such a parallel is largely mythical. Although the work of an institution with which I was associated was excessively covered by the press, my own contributions were very modest and not worthy of special note. Candidly, any work I did was prompted by its engineering content and not by any medical connection.
I appreciate your personal attention to the matter and would be delighted if you could clarify it to Mr. Kangilaski.
Sincerely,
Neil A. Armstrong
Professor of Aerospace Engineering & Applied Mechanics
Jaan Kangilaski was editor of a news publication of the American College of Physicians known as The Forum. In a phone conversation with Dr. Vester, he apparently declared that Neil’s involvement in biomedical engineering theory and technology at the University of Cincinnati was strongly reminiscent of a similar involvement in medical matters by Charles Lindbergh. Editor Kangilaski asked Dr. Vester to contact Neil and persuade him to write an article drawing the historic parallels. Although he declined this invitation, Neil had gotten involved in a research institute affiliated with the University of Cincinnati that included George Rieveschl, a UC chemist famous for his invention of diphenhydramine (Benadryl), the first antihistamine, and Dr. Henry Heimlich, Cincinnati’s famous inventor of the Heimlich maneuver, who practiced medicine at the local Jewish hospital. What brought the most publicity to this institute’s work were reputed attempts to design a palm-sized artificial heart on the basis of the coolant pump that had been used in the Apollo space suit and to develop a portable artificial lung from a modified version of Apollo’s PLSS (portable life support system). However, the project was actually only intended to investigate methods of reducing damage to blood cells while being pumped. The press extrapolated and created some confusion in this matter by exaggerating its ambitions and achievements.
“I DISCOURAGE CELEBRITY AUCTIONEERS”
March 25, 1980
Mr. Guy C. Shafer
Group Vice President
Cole Industries, Inc.
Hartford, Connecticut
Dear Guy:
I was delighted to hear of your wife’s interest in and contributions to the University of Hartford library.
While I am honored to be asked to provide one of my books, unfortunately I have never authored one. Both of my colleagues on Apollo 11, Mike Collins and Buzz Aldrin, did write books regarding their lives and experiences. Also, Crossfield, Bridgeman, Yeager, and Sevier are others who come to mind.
As a matter of fact, I provide autographs to all who ask without charge (philatelic items excepted). Consequently, I discourage celebrity auctioneers from implying that they are providing something that could not be obtained for nothing. I’m certain you can perceive the complexities that can ensue.
See you in Palm Springs.
Sincerely,
Neil A. Armstrong
Established in the 1960s, Cole Industries provided porosity-free aluminum for rotational molds. Neil apparently knew Guy C. Shafer.
“PERMISSION TO INCLUDE A RECORDED EXCERPT”
May 23, 1980
Dear Mr. Armstrong:
Attached is a script for a radio commercial we would like to produce for an educational seminar for EST.
We would like your permission to include a recorded excerpt of your speech at the time of your moon landing, as indicated in our script.
I would appreciate your advising me at your earliest possible convenience, if using this excerpt would be OK with you.
Sincerely,
Kathy Horan
Manager, Broadcast Business
Della Femina, Travisano & Partners Inc.
New York, New York
Attachments to this letter:
1. Vignette: (Kennedy making speech about the U.S. having a man on the moon within 10 years.)
2. Vignette: (SFX: of rocket noises with voice saying we have lift off …)
3. Vignette: (Voices from the moon’s successful landing “one small step for a man a giant step for mankind”.)
V.O. [Voiceover] In a world where monumental acts are performed it is hard to comprehend that an individual can make a difference. That you and I matter at all.
The possibility to create an atmosphere in which people realize that their lives really matter is undoubtedly the most profound opportunity available to anyone ever.
If you knew that your life could matter, that you could make a difference, you would want that more than anything.
On July 18th and 19th at the Felt Forum in New York City there will be a filmed Seminar given by Werner Erhard that just might enhance the way you live your life. It is an opportunity to experience for yourself that you do indeed make a difference.
4. Vignette: (Personal experience of someone in which they did something special for a friend.)
V.O. “It’s a you and me world.” A Seminar given by EST, an Educational Corporation.
Personal reply from Neil
May 27, 1980
Ms. Kathy Horan
Manager, Broadcast Business
Della Femina, Travisano & Partners, Inc.
New York, New York
Dear Ms. Horan:
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the possible use of a recording of my voice for an EST radio commercial.
I have denied all such requests for such use by all organizations and companies as a standard policy. Due to the controversial nature of EST, I would violently object to the proposed usage.
Sincerely,
Neil A. Armstrong
“RATHER THAN THROUGH ANY THIRD PARTY”
December 19, 1980
Mr. Robert Daley
Robert Daley Productions, Inc.
The Burbank Studios
Burbank, California
Dear Mr. Daley:
I am delighted to know of your interest and success in the collection of historical documents and manuscripts.
I have delivered some of my papers to the Ohio Historical Society and have requests from a number of institutions, some with significant credibility. I will be considering their invitations in the future. I do expect to conduct such transfers directly to the chosen institution rather than through any third party.
Best wishes for your continued success.
Sincerely,
Neil A. Armstrong
Robert Daley was an American film producer and Clint Eastwood’s producing partner from 1971 to 1980, working on such films as Play Misty for Me (1971), Dirty Harry (1971), Joe Kidd (1972), Hugh Plains Drifter (1973), Magnum Force (1974), Thunderbolt and Lightfoot (1974), The Eiger Sanction (1975), The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976), and Escape from Alcatraz (1979). Prior to his work in film, he served as a producer for such television hits as I Spy (1965–1966), The Invaders (1967–1968), and The Doris Day Show (1968–1970).
“I’VE CONCLUDED THAT THEY WILL BE AS MYSTIFIED AS I”
January 8, 1981
Mr. Al Reinert
FAM Productions
Houston, Texas
Dear Mr. Reinert:
I have taken excessively long in replying to your letter and returning the videotape, but I have considered the project extensively during that time.
I was favorably impressed by the footage selected and the quality of the preliminary editing. I was not, however, enthusiastic about the concept. I found the change of faces and voices confusing and the continuity difficult.
I recognized that I am at a disadvantage with my familiarity with the flights and crew members, but I tried diligently to view it from the perspective of the lay audience. I’ve concluded that they will be as mystified as I.
Some continuity could be achieved, perhaps, by using one single narrator on the voice over. I admit to some lack of confidence in the suggestion.
All in all, I do not believe that the addition of additional voice-over from an Armstrong interview will contribute to the effort and might just compound the confusion.
I do wish you well with the project.
All the best for 1981.
Sincerely,
Neil A. Armstrong
Mr. Al Reinert
FAM Productions
Houston, Texas
Dear Mr. Reinert:
As the tape player that is available to me has been out of service, it has taken some time to view the work-in-progress. I appreciate your patience in awaiting a reply.
When I watch the typical film in which I see a 747 mysteriously changed into a 707 in the next cut, I am offended. Similarly in this production when I am listening to the story of Apollo and am seeing Gemini footage, the film loses credibility.
The editing and voice over are intriguing and I approach accepting the changing crews and mis-matched voices. Still too much of a good thing becomes boring and the average viewer will find himself smothered in astronaut philosophy. The country music also seems overdone.
I have not changed my own position, but wish you well in the completion of the effort.
Sincerely,
Neil A. Armstrong
Mr. Reinert, indeed, did complete his effort and the product of his long efforts turned out much better than Neil anticipated. The production premiered in 1989 as For All Mankind, a feature-length documentary that earned an Academy Award nomination. However, Neil stayed resolved and did not provide any voice-over for the film, unlike thirteen of the other Apollo astronauts (Lovell, Mattingly, Schweikart, Cernan, Collins, Conrad, Gordon, Bean, Swigert, Roosa, Irwin, Duke, and Schmitt). Neil did appear in the documentary as himself, of course, in footage of the Gemini VIII and Apollo 11 missions.
Al Reinert went on to other film successes involving the space program. In 1996 he received an Oscar nomination for Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published for the highly popular Ron Howard/Tom Hanks feature film Apollo 13. For the miniseries From the Earth to the Moon, which aired on HBO originally between 1995 and 1998, Reinert wrote two episodes: Episode 4, “1968,” and Episode 6, “Mare Tranquilitatis,” the latter concerning Apollo 11. Reinert died in December 2018.
“CONSENT TO THE USE OF YOUR NAME AND LIKENESS”
December 4, 1981
Dear Commander Armstrong:
Enclosed is a copy of a proposed advertisement which we are planning to run on behalf of our client, USAA [United Services Automobile Association].
We would appreciate very much if you would give us your consent to the use of your name and likeness in connection with our advertising. The advertising to be used by us will be the attached ad or very substantially similar. In no event will we make use of your name and likeness beyond five years from this date.
As consideration for your consent, we would like to make a contribution of $100 to your favorite charity.
If you will countersign a copy of this letter, it will constitute your agreement. Also, please designate your favorite charity.
Thank you.
Yours truly,
Stephen H. Plum
The Pitluk Group
San Antonio, Texas
The Pitluk Group—originally established in 1961 as the Pitluk Advertising Agency by Louis Harris Pitluk (1931–2016)—grew to become the largest advertising agency in San Antonio and one of the top five agencies in the state of Texas.
December 11, 1981
Mr. Stephen H. Plum
Senior Vice President
The Pitluk Group
San Antonio, Texas
Dear Mr. Plum:
I am in receipt of your request to consent to your use of my name and likeness in advertising copy for the USAA.
After reviewing the information provided, I have concluded that I will not grant consent. I have no wish to have my picture, name and quotes implying a non-existent association with an insurance company.
I do appreciate your bringing the opportunity to my attention.
Sincerely,
Neil A. Armstrong
“NEWSPAPER AD FOR EAGLE SNACKS”
November 15, 1983
Dear Mr. Armstrong:
Mr. John Uxa pointed out to us recently that you were the author of the phrase “The Eagle Has Landed” which we used in a newspaper ad for Eagle Snacks. He also suggested that we send you a sample of Eagle Snacks as a thank you. We agree with him. So under separate cover, we are sending you a sample of our famous Honey Roast Peanuts.
We hope you enjoy them.
Allen Wm. Sherman
Vice President, Brand Management
Eagle Snacks, Inc.
St. Louis, Missouri
John “Jack” Uxa (1925–2017) was a lifelong resident of St. Louis. During World War II, he served in the Marine Corps Signal Company and was stationed on Saipan and Okinawa. After the war, he sold printing for many years before opening a successful dry cleaning store in suburban Warson Woods in 1969. The context for Mr. Uxa’s giving William Sherman of Eagle Snacks the proper reference for “The Eagle Has Landed” is unknown.
Personal reply from Neil
December 9, 1983
Mr. Allen W. Sherman
Vice President, Brand Management
Eagle Snacks, Inc.
St. Louis, Missouri
Dear Mr. Sherman:
I recognize that such statements as you used in your advertising campaign are considered to be in the public domain. Their use in commercial activities is apparently legal. There are, however, many things that are legal but in poor taste.
Nevertheless, I appreciated your letter.
Sincerely,
Neil A. Armstrong
“AN ANECDOTE, RELATED BY JULIAN SCHEER”
January 3, 1985
Dear Mr. Armstrong:
We are considering publication of an anecdote, related by Julian Scheer, regarding a Walter Cronkite interview with you prior to the Apollo 11 launch.
Could you take a moment to review the anecdote for accuracy? A copy is attached.
Any assistance you can give me will be greatly appreciated. I can be reached toll-free at [number withheld] or collect [number withheld], between 8:30 and 4:00 Eastern Standard Time. Thank you for your time.
Cordially,
Ellen M. Bollert
Editorial Research
Reader’s Digest
Pleasantville, New York
Attachment to this letter:
Former astronaut Neil Armstrong is the kind of man who speaks his mind. When Walter Cronkite interviewed the Apollo 11 crew just before the first moon landing, he asked what each man did to keep in shape. Mike Collins told Cronkite that he jogged about five miles a day. Buzz Aldrin said, “I not only run, but do an hour of isometric exercise.”
“Well, Walter,” Armstrong replied. “I believe that the good Lord gave us a finite number of heartbeats. I’m damned if I’m going to use mine up running up and down a street!”
—Julian Scheer, quoted by George Plimpton in Esquire
Esquire magazine published an article entitled “Neil Armstrong’s First Words” in its December 1983 issue, pp. 113–18. Apparently Plimpton understood that most people believed that Armstrong had prepared his famous phrase about “one small step” epigram well in advance of the Apollo 11 launch. In this article, Plimpton, apparently after an interview with Armstrong in 1983, “revealed” that Armstrong “had produced the lines on his own … and the words were composed not on the long trip up there, as had been supposed by most of his colleagues, nor beforehand but after the actual landing of Eagle on the moon’s surface.” Neil had explained to Plimpton that “I always knew there was a good chance of being able to return to Earth, but I thought the chances of a successful touchdown on the moon surface were about even money—fifty-fifty … Most people don’t realize how difficult the mission was. So it didn’t seem to me there was much point in thinking of something to say if we’d have to abort landing.”
Personal reply from Neil
January 15, 1985
Ms. Ellen M. Bollert
Editorial Research
Reader’s Digest
Pleasantville, New York
Dear Ms. Bollert:
I do indeed appreciate your contacting me regarding the quote attributed to me by Julian Scheer. Unfortunately, it is not factual.
The quote was first attributed to me in a LIFE magazine article after I, at a dinner party, had quoted someone else making the same remark. It has since been re-attributed to me frequently by other publications. It is usually portrayed as a “new” quote.
I have never made any such statement other than the one listed above. It certainly did not exist in the Cronkite interview (which I would expect to be in the CBS files).
I have been quoted so often that even some of my closest friends now believe it (and repeat it).
Again, I appreciate your confirming the authenticity.
Sincerely,
Neil A. Armstrong
“JOIN OUR ‘HOMEGROWN HOOSIER’ CAMPAIGN”
June 8, 1987
Dear Neil:
Perhaps you’ve heard or read about my recent disagreement with the folks at Merriam-Webster, Inc. Their recently published Webster’s Third New International Dictionary defines “hoosier” as an “awkward, unhandy or unskilled person, especially an ignorant rustic.”
I wrote them to complain. I told them “hoosier” should be defined as someone “quick, smart, resourceful, etc.” They also said that if the word should come into common usage to mean “quick, smart, resourceful, etc.” that they eventually would define it that way in their dictionary. That is our goal.
I’ve agreed to serve as honorary chairman of a campaign being launched by The Fort Wayne News-Sentinel, a Pulitzer Prize winning daily newspaper. We’d like you to join our “Homegrown Hoosier” campaign.
As a native-born Hoosier, we’re asking you to help us change the meaning of the word. Sometime within the next few months we’d like you to use the word “hoosier” in some positive way: in an interview, a statement to the press, a song, article or story.
Once done, we’d like you to send published or taped proof of your public and positive use of “hoosier” to the News-Sentinel. The newspaper will publish them and see that the material is distributed as widely as possible. The News-Sentinel will also be contacting other daily newspapers in Indiana to join our campaign.
Send the material to Richard Battin, Assistant Managing Editor, The News-Sentinel, 600 W. Main St, Fort Wayne, IN 46802. For questions, call Richard at 219/461-8273.
Please join us in this noble cause. Wear the enclosed button as a symbol of your dedication.
And before you ask, the News-Sentinel paid for this mailing and the buttons and will pay any other expenses incurred during the campaign.
Sincerely,
Senator Dan Quayle
Reply from Vivian White, Neil’s assistant
June 18, 1987
The Honorable Dan Quayle
c/o The News-Sentinel
P. O. Box 102
Fort Wayne, IN 46801
Dear Senator Quayle:
Mr. Armstrong has asked me to respond to your letter and to thank you for offering him the opportunity to participate in the campaign to change the definition of “hoosier.” Since Mr. Armstrong is not a native-born Hoosier, he believes that it would be inappropriate for him to participate.
He sends best wishes for the success of the endeavor.
Sincerely,
Vivian White
Administrative Aide
“YOU TOOK RISKS AT MY EXPENSE”
November 9, 1987
Mr. Neil McAleer
New Cumberland, Pennsylvania
Dear Mr. McAleer,
Your article in SPACE WORLD regarding the 30th anniversary of Sputnik illustrates the reason for my reluctance to collaborate in interviews that I cannot control.
Although my memory is suspect sometimes, I do not think I would have told you that I was flying the X-15 at the time of SPUTNIK as you reported. The X-15 rollout did not occur till December of 58, more than a year after SPUTNIK, and I did not fly it until 1960.
In your understandable desire to tighten a piece, you took risks at my expense. Others who know the facts will now suspect my memory is even worse than it is.
Sincerely,
Neil A. Armstrong
Neil McAleer came to write several books in the popular science and science fact categories, including The Cosmic Mind-Boggling Book, Body Almanac, The Mind-Boggling Universe, and Space Shuttle: The Renewed Promise. His work The Omni Space Almanac won the 1988 Robert S. Ball Award for Outstanding Space Writing from the Aviation and Space Writers Association. He has also written a biography of Arthur C. Clarke (2012).
I could not locate McAleer’s response to Armstrong’s letter, but Armstrong’s subsequent response follows.
December 7, 1987
Mr. Neil McAleer
New Cumberland, Pennsylvania
Dear Mr. McAleer:
Thank you for your letter and explanation for the SPACE WORLD errors.
While I appreciate your offer to print a correction, I think little value would be gained by printing a correction. I have no desire to embarrass you or SPACE WORLD, and one more error in a vast sea will make little impact.
When a professional makes a slip of this size, it is easy to see why those with less rigor (including very successful authors) generate so much drivel.
Thanks for the offer.
Sincerely,
Neil Armstrong
“INCOMPATIBLE WITH MY OWN INTERESTS”
May 12, 1994
Ronni Heyman
Director of Public Relations
Mecanno Erector
New York, New York
Dear Ronni Heyman:
Thank you for your letter inviting me to attend the unveiling of an educational exhibition opening at the Hayden Planetarium on Tuesday, May 24, 1994.
I was impressed by the nature of this competition by students to be included in the exhibition in the display at the Planetarium. I suspect that it will be a most exciting project for all, whether their project is selected for inclusion or not.
After reviewing the information provided, however, I have concluded that I will decline. As a consumer products company, I know it would be important (and proper) for you to use this event for the promotion of your product line. The associated media activities that would be inevitable are incompatible with my own interests.
I appreciate your bringing the opportunity to my attention, and hope I find myself in New York during the exhibit time so I can enjoy the fun.
All good wishes.
Sincerely,
Neil Armstrong was a big fan of Erector sets and played with one himself quite a bit as a boy. First created in England in 1898 and separately invented in the United States in 1913, Erector sets gave curious kids a chance to explore the principles of mechanical engineering by using metal nuts and bolts and miniature girders to build different sorts of structures, even dynamic ones.
“THROWING IN THE COMB AND SCISSORS TO BOOT”
November 23, 2005
Dear Neil—
I just saw this ad in a catalog of old political and historic memorabilia for sale. It looks like your enterprising barber and his client plan to make out on this—and they are throwing in the comb & scissors to boot!
Anyway, I’m sorry to see this indignity heaped upon you.
On a brighter side, I wish you and your lovely bride a blessed Thanksgiving and wonderful Christmas.
I hope all your 60 Minutes reviews have been positive; my wife has your new bio on my Christmas present list.
Best always,
Jim
James E. Rogan
In early 2005, the Lebanon, Ohio, barbershop that Armstrong had patronized for more than twenty years sold some of its famous client’s locks for $3,000 to a Connecticut man who, according to Guinness World Records, had amassed the largest collection of hair from “historical celebrities.” In a private conversation in the back of the shop, Neil asked his barber (Mark Sizemore) to either return the hair or donate the $3,000 to a charity of Armstrong’s choosing. When neither result followed, Neil’s attorney sent the barber a two-page letter, one that referenced an Ohio law protecting the names of its celebrities. Instead of settling the matter quietly, the barber sent the letter to local media and refused to return the hair. According to the website for Paul Fraser Collectibles, not only Armstrong’s hair but also the very scissors and comb that the barber allegedly used to cut it are for sale together for $38,611 (with free shipping). On the website, the company has also offered to sell individual pieces of Armstrong’s hair for £399 (or $523) per each half-inch strand. Currently in 2019, one still sees strands of Neil’s hair offered for sale on the internet, through secondary sales.
Neil met Jim Rogan (b. 1957) when Rogan was a member of Congress, representing California’s 27th District. A year before he wrote this short note to Armstrong, Rogan left a position in the Bush Administration (undersecretary of commerce for intellectual property and director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office) to join the law firm of Venable LLP, where he worked as a partner in its Southern California and Washington, D.C., offices. In July 2006, Rogan was appointed by California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to serve as a judge on the Superior Court of California in Orange County, where he still serves.