# Buzz Aldrin

> American astronaut (born 1930)

**Wikidata**: [Q2252](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2252)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buzz_Aldrin)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/buzz-aldrin

## Summary

Buzz Aldrin was born on January 20, 1930, in Glen Ridge[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]. He holds United States citizenship. Aldrin has had a multifaceted career as an air force officer, fighter pilot, astronaut, autobiographer, science fiction writer, and engineer[11]. His father was Edwin Eugene Aldrin Sr.[11], and his mother was Marion Gladys Moon[11].Aldrin has been married four times: to Joan Ann Archer from 1954 to 1974, Beverly Van Zile from 1975 to 1978, Lois Driggs Cannon from 1988 to 2012, and Anca Faur from 2023 to 2025[12][13][14]. He received his education from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, United States Military Academy, Severn School, and Montclair High School[11].Throughout his career, Aldrin has received numerous awards, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Legionnaire of Legion of Merit, Order of Culture, Presidential Medal of Freedom, Air Medal, and Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, among others[11][15].

## Summary
Buzz Aldrin is an American astronaut born in 1930, best known for being the second person to walk on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969. He served as a fighter pilot, engineer, and science fiction writer, and later became a prominent advocate for space exploration and education.

## Biography
- Born: January 20, 1930, in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, USA
- Nationality: United States
- Education:
  - Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1951)
  - Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1952)
- Known for: Second person to walk on the Moon (Apollo 11, 1969)
- Employer(s):
  - United States Air Force (1951–1966)
  - National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) (1963–1971)
- Field(s): Aerospace engineering, astronautics, aerospace advocacy

## Contributions
- **Apollo 11 Mission**: Second astronaut to walk on the Moon (July 21, 1969), descending the lunar module's ladder and stepping onto the lunar surface.
- **Awards**: Received numerous military and civilian honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom (1969), Congressional Gold Medal (1972), and the National Aviation Hall of Fame induction (1962).
- **Advocacy**: Promoted space exploration and education through public speaking, writing, and media appearances.
- **Science Fiction Writing**: Authored works such as *Magnificent Desolation: The Long Journey Home from the Moon* (1973), documenting his lunar mission experiences.

## FAQs
**What is Buzz Aldrin known for?**
Buzz Aldrin is best known for being the second person to walk on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969. He served as a fighter pilot and aerospace engineer before becoming an astronaut.

**Where did Buzz Aldrin work?**
Aldrin served in the United States Air Force (1951–1966) and later joined NASA (1963–1971) as part of the astronaut program. He also worked as an aerospace engineer and science fiction writer.

**What awards has Buzz Aldrin received?**
Aldrin received the Presidential Medal of Freedom (1969), Congressional Gold Medal (1972), and was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame (1962). He also holds military decorations like the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal.

**What is Buzz Aldrin's educational background?**
Aldrin earned a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1951) and a Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering (1952).

**What books has Buzz Aldrin written?**
Aldrin authored *Magnificent Desolation: The Long Journey Home from the Moon* (1973), a memoir documenting his experiences during the Apollo 11 mission.

## Why They Matter
Buzz Aldrin's role as the second person to walk on the Moon made him a global icon of human space exploration. His mission inspired generations of scientists, engineers, and explorers, shaping NASA's Apollo program and influencing future space missions. Aldrin's advocacy for space education and technology has continued to inspire public interest in aerospace. His work remains a landmark achievement in human history, symbolizing the pinnacle of human ingenuity and collaboration.

## Notable For
- Second person to walk on the Moon (Apollo 11, 1969)
- Recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom (1969)
- Author of *Magnificent Desolation: The Long Journey Home from the Moon* (1973)
- Inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame (1962)
- Holder of military decorations including the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal
- Prominent advocate for space exploration and education

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Buzz Aldrin was born on January 20, 1930, in Glen Ridge, New Jersey. He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering in 1951. Aldrin later pursued a Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1952.

### Military Career
Aldrin served in the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1966, initially as a fighter pilot. He flew combat missions during the Korean War and later served as a test pilot. His military service included receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal for his achievements.

### NASA Astronaut Program
Selected as part of NASA Astronaut Group 3 in 1963, Aldrin trained for the Apollo program. He served as lunar module pilot for Apollo 11, the first crewed lunar landing mission. On July 21, 1969, Aldrin descended the lunar module's ladder and became the second person to walk on the Moon.

### Post-Apollo Career
After retiring from NASA in 1971, Aldrin continued to advocate for space exploration. He wrote *Magnificent Desolation: The Long Journey Home from the Moon* (1973), a memoir detailing his lunar mission experiences. Aldrin also worked as a science fiction writer and public speaker, promoting space education and technology.

### Awards and Recognition
Aldrin received numerous awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom (1969) and the Congressional Gold Medal (1972). He was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame (1962) and holds a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His contributions to aerospace engineering and lunar exploration have been widely recognized.

### Legacy
Buzz Aldrin's historic Moonwalk remains a defining moment in human spaceflight. His work has inspired future generations of astronauts and engineers, shaping NASA's missions and influencing global interest in space exploration. Aldrin's advocacy for science education and technology continues to inspire public engagement in aerospace. His legacy endures as a symbol of human achievement and the potential of space exploration.

## References

1. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art online collection
2. [N.J. middle school renamed after Apollo 11's Buzz Aldrin. NJ.com. 2016](https://www.nj.com/essex/2016/09/nj_school_renamed_in_honor_of_apollo_11s_buzz_aldr.html)
3. Who's Who
4. BnF authorities
5. Integrated Authority File
6. [tweet](https://twitter.com/TheRealBuzz/status/1616600085441159168)
7. [Buzz Aldrin marries ‘longtime love’ on his 93rd birthday. 2023](https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/21/us/buzz-aldrin-93rd-birthday-wedding-trnd)
8. [Buzz Aldrin’s Wife Anca Faur Dies Just 2 Years After They Got Married: ‘I Will Miss Her Dearly’](https://people.com/buzz-aldrin-wife-anca-faur-dies-11839666)
9. [Source](https://searchpub.nssc.nasa.gov/servlet/sm.web.Fetch/Agency_Awards_Historical_Recipient_List.pdf?rhid=1000&did=2120817&type=released)
10. [Source](https://njhalloffame.org/hall-of-famers/2008-inductees/buzz-aldrin/)
11. [Member Profile – Horatio Alger Association](https://horatioalger.org/members/member-detail/?id=003j000000f20zHAAQ)
12. [HERB BAUM honored. Treasure Coast Newspapers. 2017](https://www.tcpalm.com/story/specialty-publications/jupiter-courier/2017/06/22/herb-baum-honored/383898001/)
13. [Source](https://living-legends-of-aviation.myshopify.com/pages/dr-buzz-aldrin)
14. [Source](https://www.nmspacemuseum.org/inductee/edwin-e-aldrin-jr/)
15. [Astronauts Laud Gemini as Precursor to Shuttle. Albuquerque Journal. 1982](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28841417/albuquerque_journal/)
16. Mathematics Genealogy Project
17. International Standard Name Identifier
18. CiNii Research
19. MusicBrainz
20. [Source](http://www.spacefacts.de/english/e_first.htm)
21. [Source](https://planet4589.org/space/astro/rides.html)
22. IMDb
23. SNAC
24. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
25. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
26. GeneaStar
27. Roglo
28. Proleksis Encyclopedia
29. Munzinger Personen
30. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
31. [Buzz Aldrin | Open Library](https://openlibrary.org/authors/OL457365A/Buzz_Aldrin)
32. [Source](https://www.nasa.gov/content/former-astronauts-recall-historic-first-moon-landing)
33. [Source](https://airandspace.si.edu/explore-and-learn/topics/apollo/apollo-program/landing-missions/apollo11-facts.cfm)
34. Virtual International Authority File
35. CONOR.SI
36. BBC Things
37. [باز ألدرين - ﺗﻤﺜﻴﻞ فيلموجرافيا، صور، فيديو](https://elcinema.com/person/2079105)
38. Great Norwegian Encyclopedia
39. [Buzz Aldrin - Box Office](https://www.the-numbers.com/person/3520401-Buzz-Aldrin)
40. [Buzz Aldrin: film, foto](https://movieplayer.it/personaggi/buzz-aldrin_120981/)
41. [Buzz Aldrin](https://www.filmweb.pl/person/Buzz+Aldrin-229337)
42. [Buzz Aldrin | FilmTV.it](https://www.filmtv.it/persona/57373/buzz-aldrin/)
43. [Buzz Aldrin | For All Mankind Wiki | Fandom](https://for-all-mankind.fandom.com/wiki/Buzz_Aldrin)
44. [Buzz Aldrin | Futurama Wiki | Fandom](https://futurama.fandom.com/wiki/Buzz_Aldrin)
45. バズ・オルドリン：プロフィール・作品情報・最新ニュース. eiga.com
46. Golden
47. [Buzz Aldrin - Edad | Biografía | Películas | Noticias | Filmografía | Premios](https://decine21.com/biografias/buzz-aldrin-36996)
48. [Buzz Aldrin - TheTVDB.com](https://thetvdb.com/people/248175-buzz-aldrin)
49. [Buzz Aldrin - MovieMeter.nl](https://www.moviemeter.nl/personen/106843/buzz-aldrin)
50. [Source](https://www.podchaser.com/creators/buzz-aldrin-107ZzsBvRU/appearances)