“That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” This simple phrase by American astronaut Neil Armstrong will forever earn him the title of hero. A hero is someone who is “willing to take a personal sacrifice for the benefit of others” (Lickerman). Neil Aiden Armstrong was born on August 5”1930 in Wapakoneta, Ohio and by the age of sixteen, he was a licensed pilot. He went on th join the Navy, serve In the Korean War and eventually became a research pilot for NASA. However, some may feel that Armstrong was just a pawn in the US/USSR space race. Neil Armstrong should be considered a hero because he exhibits traits of courage, humility and selflessness and he will forever be known in time be as the first Earthling to step foot on the moon.
Admittedly, taking that first step on the
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As a man, a fighter pilot, an astronaut, Armstrong was more concerned with others than his own personal gain. “Like so many others celebrated astronauts, he could have chosen to bask in the heroic afterglow of his stunning achievements. However, he remains an unassuming, and deeply private man a reluctant hero to the end” (“Remembering ‘Reluctant Hero’ Neil Armstrong”). Armstrong was the ultimate team player. During the game he would play to win, but once the game was over he wanted to separate himself so that he was not the focus. One might think it was natural to enjoy the spotlight, especially when one achieved at the level Neil Armstrong did. “Neil Armstrong’s Death at the age of 82 is an occasion to elevate again in the public eye the personal values that he represented; excellence, fortitude, worthy dreams and personal humility” ( “Remembering ‘Reluctant Hero’ Neil Armstrong”). Mr. Armstrong’s humility was apparent in not only his actions, but also apparent when others spoke about him. Therefore, the trait of humility is yet another example of why Neil Armstrong is a