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
I flew the F-100 first in the Nellis AFB checkout program, then as Bomb Commander in the 48th at Chaumont and Lakenheath AFB. I was also assigned to fly numerous Functional Check Flights as an additional duty, Squadron Maintenance Officer. These flights were particularly interesting when assigned at Lakenheath. We would frequently have to wait for minimums and then top out over 30,000 feet to complete the Check Flight. I did not fly the F-100 in combat but flew the O-2A and OV-10 in Viet Nam.
From June 1981-January 1996 I held various banking positions retiring as Senior VP, Bank of America. My wife Donna Mae who I married on August 1st in 1953, passed away March 27, 2012, and my daughter Cynthia Ann, born in Chaumont, France, passed away March 1, 2017.
On April 2, 2016, I married Margo L (Ball) Gruver and my family increased by two stepchildren and two step-grandchildren. I now have three children, seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
Since 1996 and continuing today I volunteer for Church and Civic Organizations, travel & enjoy my grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I also continue to enjoy maintaining contact with all of the proud folks with whom I have served our Country.
