Neil Armstrong and the X-15 by Bob van der Linden, Posted on Tue, July 23, 2019, Aeronautics Department, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum “Released from duty in mid-1952, Armstrong returned to Purdue where he earned his degree in aeronautical engineering in 1955. His love of flight and engineering drew him to the National Advisory
“Applied for & accepted to USAFA before the smart guys discovered it. Enjoyed pilot training at Vance and received a rare F-102 /F-101 slot at graduation. Was Voodoo pilot at Lockbourne, Columbus, OH. Was offered & accepted F-104 slot to SVN in 66. Mission CNXed & accepted F-100 slot at Cannon AFB. At the end of F-100 checkout, was informed I would be an O-1 FAC. Off to Hurlburt AFB, trained, went thru Snake School at Clark; then to Kontum for 100 missions as a COVEY FAC. Transferred to CuChi as FAC to assist ARMY Opns. Received and accepted F-100 slot at PhanRang. Immediately volunteered for MISTY. Flew 50 missions & back to PhanRang to end tour. Sent back to ADC & accepted F-101 assignment to Suffolk CO AFB.”
