Buzz Aldrin's Success and Achievements in Timeline
A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Buzz Aldrin.
Buzz Aldrin is an American former astronaut, engineer, and fighter pilot, most famously known as the second person to walk on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969. Prior to this, he piloted the Gemini 12 mission in 1966, undertaking three spacewalks. Aldrin is the last surviving member of the Apollo 11 crew, following the deaths of Neil Armstrong and Michael Collins. His contributions to space exploration have cemented his place as a pivotal figure in the history of space travel.
May 14, 1953: First MiG-15 Shot Down
On May 14, 1953, Aldrin shot down his first MiG-15 fighter while flying south of the Yalu River during the Korean War.
June 4, 1953: Second Aerial Victory
On June 4, 1953, Aldrin achieved his second aerial victory by shooting down another MiG during an attack on an airbase in North Korea.
October 18, 1963: Selection as NASA Astronaut
On October 18, 1963, Aldrin was selected as one of the fourteen members of NASA's Astronaut Group 3, making him the first astronaut with a doctoral degree.
November 11, 1966: Launch of Gemini 12
On November 11, 1966, Gemini 12 was launched from Cape Canaveral. Aldrin used a sextant and rendezvous charts he helped create to dock with the target vehicle.
1966: NASA Exceptional Service Medal
In 1966, during a ceremony marking the end of the Gemini program, Buzz Aldrin was awarded the NASA Exceptional Service Medal by President Johnson.
July 16, 1969: Apollo 11 Launch
On July 16, 1969, Apollo 11 launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, watched by an estimated one million spectators. The launch was televised live to millions of viewers and listeners worldwide. The Saturn V rocket propelled Apollo 11 into Earth orbit, and later onto a trajectory toward the Moon.
July 21, 1969: Walking on the Moon
On July 21, 1969, Aldrin set foot on the Moon at 03:15:16 UTC, nineteen minutes after Armstrong. He also became the first person to hold a religious ceremony on the Moon by privately taking communion.
1969: Presidential Medal of Freedom
In 1969, Aldrin was accorded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
1969: Apollo 11 mission
In 1969, Aldrin was the Lunar Module Eagle pilot on the Apollo 11 mission. He became the second person to walk on the Moon.
1969: Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
In 1969, Buzz Aldrin was awarded the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) for his role as lunar module pilot on Apollo 11.
1969: Apollo 11 Crew Awarded Collier Trophy and General Thomas D. White USAF Space Trophy
In 1969, the Apollo 11 crew received the Collier Trophy and the General Thomas D. White USAF Space Trophy for their achievements in spaceflight.
1970: NASA Distinguished Service Medal
In 1970, Buzz Aldrin was awarded the NASA Distinguished Service Medal for the Apollo 11 mission.
1970: Apollo 11 Crew Awarded Dr. Robert H. Goddard Memorial Trophy, Harmon Trophy, and Hubbard Medal
In 1970, the Apollo 11 crew was awarded the Dr. Robert H. Goddard Memorial Trophy, the Harmon Trophy, and the Hubbard Medal, recognizing their significant contributions to space exploration and aviation.
1971: Apollo 11 Crew Conferred the Harmon Trophy
In 1971, Vice President Spiro Agnew conferred the international Harmon Trophy for aviators to the Apollo 11 crew, celebrating their accomplishments in aviation and space travel.
1972: Oak Leaf Cluster Award
In 1972, Buzz Aldrin was awarded an oak leaf cluster in lieu of a second DSM for his role in both the Korean War and in the space program.
October 1978: Quitting Drinking for Good
In October 1978, after struggling with alcoholism, Buzz Aldrin quit drinking for good. He later attempted to help others with drinking problems.
1982: Induction into International Space Hall of Fame
In 1982, Buzz Aldrin was one of ten Gemini astronauts inducted into the International Space Hall of Fame.
1993: Induction into U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame
In 1993, Buzz Aldrin was inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame.
1999: Smithsonian Institution's Langley Gold Medal
In 1999, while celebrating the 30th anniversary of the lunar landing, the Apollo 11 crew was presented with the Smithsonian Institution's Langley Gold Medal for aviation by Vice President Al Gore.
2000: Induction into National Aviation Hall of Fame
In 2000, Buzz Aldrin was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame.
2003: Aldrin Receives Humanitarian Award from Variety, the Children's Charity
In 2003, Aldrin received the Humanitarian Award from Variety, the Children's Charity for his understanding, empathy, and devotion to mankind.
2006: Aldrin Awarded General James E. Hill Lifetime Space Achievement Award
In 2006, Aldrin was awarded the Space Foundation's General James E. Hill Lifetime Space Achievement Award, their highest honor.
2008: Induction into New Jersey Hall of Fame
In 2008, Buzz Aldrin was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame.
2011: New Frontier Congressional Gold Medal
In 2011, the Apollo 11 crew was awarded the New Frontier Congressional Gold Medal in the Capitol Rotunda.
2016: Buzz Aldrin Middle School Named in Montclair, New Jersey
In 2016, Aldrin's hometown middle school in Montclair, New Jersey, was renamed Buzz Aldrin Middle School in his honor.
March 2019: Legal Dispute Resolved
In March 2019, the legal dispute involving Aldrin, his children, and former business manager was resolved when his children withdrew their petition and Aldrin dropped the lawsuit.
2019: Aldrin Awarded Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication
In 2019, Aldrin was awarded the Starmus Festival's Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication for Lifetime Achievement.
May 5, 2023: Aldrin Receives Honorary Promotion to Brigadier General
On May 5, 2023, Aldrin received an honorary promotion to the rank of brigadier general in the United States Air Force, and was also made an honorary Space Force guardian.
