Buzz Aldrin was honored for combat service in the Korean War

On January 20, 1930, Edwin Eugene Aldrin was born in Montclair, New Jersey. His mother Marion's maiden name was Moon, and his father Edwin Eugene Aldrin, Sr. was a veteran Army pilot who saw action in both World Wars. He flew F-86 Saber Jets in the Air Force's 51st Fighter Wing before beginning his illustrious career with NASA, accomplishing 66 combat flights in Korea. In a single month, his unit downed 61 enemy aircraft and forced 57 more to land. Having personally shot down two opposing fighters, Aldrin was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his bravery.

Following the war, he earned a doctorate in aeronautics from MIT and was chosen for NASA Astronaut Group 3, which also included his Apollo 11 teammate, command module pilot Michael Collins. Aldrin shot down two MIGs in combat in the Korean War, and he earned two Air Force Service Medals, two Distinguished Flying Crosses and three Air Medals during his career. As An astronaut he risked his life time after time on beyond cutting edge technology. Post his NASA career he had a problem with depression and alcoholism and quit drinking for good in 1978.