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Armstrong's appointment as a Navy ensign.

The certificate reads

The President of the United States of America

To all who shall see these presents, greeting:

Know Ye, that reposing special trust and confidence in the patriotism, valor, fidelity and abilities of Neil A. Armstrong, I do appoint him, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate,

an Ensign in the
United States Navy

to rank as such from the first day of June, nineteen hundred and fifth-one. This Officer will therefore carefully and diligently discharge the duties of the office to which appointed by doing and performing all manner of things thereunto belonging.

And I do strictly charge and require all Officers and other personnel of lesser rank to render such obedience as is due an officer of this grade and position. And this Officer is to observe and follow such orders and directions, from time to time, as may be given by me, or the future President of the United States of America, or other Superior Officers acting in accordance with the laws of the United States of America.

This Commission to continue in force during the pleasure of the President of the United States of America, for the time being, under the provisions of those Public Laws relating to the Officers of the Armed Forces of the United States of America and the component thereof in which this appointment is made.

Done at the City of Washington, this twenty-sixth day of September, in the year of Our Lord one thousand nine hundred and fifty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America one hundred and seventy-sixth.

By the President