Buzz Aldrin Biography, Life, Interesting Facts

Buzz Aldrin was born on January 20, 1930, in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, USA. His parents were Marion (Moon) and Edwin Aldrin.

Education

As a teenager, Buzz Aldrin attended the Montclair High School. He graduated from this school in 1946. Afterward, instead of going to college, he enrolled in the United States Military Academy. He later graduated from the academy with a Bachelor’s Degree in mechanical engineering. After earning this degree, he fought in the military. He later went back to school, this time attending MIT. There he earned his Doctorate degree in Science in Astronautics.

Early Military Career

In 1951, Buzz Aldrin started his fighting career in the military. He joined the air force, first as a second lieutenant. He later worked his way up the ranks, becoming an officer. In the 1950’s, he fought in the Korean War. When the war was over, he worked as an instructor at the Nellis Air Force Base. He was later promoted to the Dean of Faculty for the United States Air Force Academy.

NASA Career

Buzz Aldrin was hired by NASA in 1963. He was a part of the third group of astronauts that NASA ever hired. He was later promoted to be a backup for a mission, but he never had to go on this mission. He went on one of his most important missions in 1966 when he took part in the Gemini 12 Flight. While on the mission, he spent four days in space, proving that work could be done outside of a spaceship.

Aldrin’s most famous mission was the 1969 Apollo 11 moon landing. Along with a group of astronauts, Aldrin landed on the moon on July 21, 1969. Following after Neil Armstrong, Aldrin was the second man to walk on the moon. The team spent a day on the moon, collecting rocks and other samples, taking pictures, and doing research. Afterward, he returned to Earth. He left NASA a couple of years later.

Late Military Career

After leaving NASA, Buzz Aldrin went back to working with the military. He worked at the United States Air Force Test Pilot School. He worked here until 1972, he officially retired from the military.

Film Career

After retiring from the military, Buzz Aldrin spent his time following some pursuits, one of which being is acting. In most shows and movies he was in, he played himself. Some of the shows and movies he has had cameo appearances in are listed below.

The Simpsons
Apollo 11
30 Rock
Transformers: Dark of the Moon
Space Brothers
The Big Bang Theory

Awards And Accomplishments

Throughout both his military career and his work with NASA, Buzz Aldrin proved to be an excellent worker. Because of this, he has been awarded numerous times some of his most prestigious awards are listed below.

The following are awards for his work with the United States military: Korean War Service Medal, United Nations Korea Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Air Force Longevity Service Awards, National Defence Service Medal, Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Outstanding Unit Award, Legion of Merit, Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

The following are awards for his work with NASA: Special Gold Logie Award, Technical Achievement Award, Langley Gold Medal, General James E. Hill Lifetime Space Achievement Award, and the Congressional Gold Medal.

Buzz Aldrin was awarded a star on the Walk of Fame. He was inducted into both the Scandinavian-American Hall of Fame and the New Jersey Hall of Fame. He was given an honorary Doctorate degree from the Gustavus Adolphus College.

Publications

After his career with NASA was over, Buzz Aldrin spent much of his time working on writing books. He wrote two biographies, a history book, and some children’s books. Some of his books are listed below.

Return to Earth
Magnificent Desolation: The Long Journey Home from the Moon
No Dream Is Too High: Life Lessons From a Man Who Walked on the Moon
Men from Earth
Reaching for the Moon
Look to the Stars

Family Life

Buzz Aldrin was married three times. He was first married to Joan Archer in 1954. Together, the couple had three children: Andrew, James, and Janice. However, the couple divorced in 1972. He married again in 1975 to Beverly Van Zile. This marriage also ended in divorce in 1978. He was married for the last time to Lois Driggs Cannon in 1988. The couple divorced in 2012. Aldrin is currently unmarried.