WAPAKONETA, Ohio — At the Armstrong Air and Space Museum in Auglaize County, you’ll find pieces of history connected to the illustrious career of one of NASA’s top astronauts, Wapakoneta-native Neil Armstrong. 

Now, there’s a new exhibit showcasing more of the Apollo 11 mission. 

What You Need To Know

  • A new Apollo 11 exhibit is open at the Armstrong Air and Space Museum

  • The debut reunited the Navy Frogman who recovered the NASA team 52 years ago

  • The Frogmen met fans and signed autographs at the opening

  • The Museum says it allows them to tell the story of Apollo 11 in greater depth and detail 

Fans lined up to meet the U.S. Navy Frogmen helped who recovered the Apollo 11 spacecraft from the ocean after it splashed down from space.

 Mike Mallory, John Wolfram, Wes Chesser and Clancy Hatleberg signed autographs for visitors on the first day for the exhibit.

Hatleberg said it’s incredible to see so many people come to visit them. 

“I’m just astonished that people would ever care that we were out there that day, because the heroes are Neil, and Mike and Buzz,” Hatleberg said.  

Hatleberg and his counterparts are all in their golden years, which makes this day even more special. It also makes them grateful, as the new exhibit helps preserve their piece of history, but also allows them to reunite.

“This is the first time in 53 years that all four of us have been together,” Hatleberg said.  

“Seeing these guys again is special as you might imagine,” Chesser said. “The camaraderie is still there. Sure we’re all older, but nobody has changed.” 

Chesser said being reunited for the debut of the exhibit makes him think to remind others to preserve friendships. 

“Don’t let time get away from you — it’s so easy,” Chesser said. 

The new exhibit showcases a signed photo of the Frogmen performing their role on the day America’s heroes returned to earth from man’s first walk on the moon. 

Which Hatleberg said is a site to see.

“It’s astonishing that such a world-class collection of memorabilia commemorating such a historic moment is collected in this town,” Hatleberg said. “Who would have thought?”

The Armstrong museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and admission $10 per ticket or less for adults. Kids five and under get in for free. For more information on the Museum, visit the website.