John Glenn says he’ll miss friend Neil Armstrong, who will be known for pioneering way to moon

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – John Glenn, the first American to orbit the Earth, says Neil Armstrong dedicated himself to his country and will always be remembered for pioneering the way to the moon.

In a phone interview Saturday with The Associated Press, Glenn said he will miss Armstrong and noted that he was a close friend. The two astronauts — arguably NASA’s most famous — both hailed from Ohio.

Glenn recalled how Armstrong had just 15 seconds to 35 seconds of fuel remaining when he landed on the moon on July 20, 1969, with Buzz Aldrin. Glenn also recounted Armstrong’s illustrious aviation career, including his testing of experimental aircraft.

Glenn says Armstrong’s skill and dedication “was just exemplary.”

The 91-year-old Glenn was in Columbus, Ohio, when he learned of Armstrong’s death at age 82.