Thursday will mark fifty-four years since Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the surface of the moon. I’m sure at the time neither man could’ve imagined a greater thrill.
But the thrills weren’t left behind on the rocky surface of Tranquility Base. In recognition of their being the first humans to shoot motion pictures on a place not called Earth, upon returning home (along with teammate and Command Module Pilot, Michael Collins), the three were made Honorary Members of the ASC. As there had been only ten others so recognized before them, they were once again joining rare company. Aldrin is the last survivor and is still listed on our roster.
I’d like to think that out of the thousands of distinctions he’s received since that awesome mission, this might be his most memorable.
I’m probably wrong, but I hope to ask him about it one day…!
From the November 1969 issue of American Cinematographer
Thanks, Richard.
I remember gathering around a 16″ B&W TV on the lawn in front of my aunt’s Bungalow in the Catskills.
I unfortunately missed the broadcast because in its infinite wisdom, the USAF wouldn’t let us see it while in basic training at Lackland AFB, Texas!
How typical…