John Herschel Glenn Jr.

John Herschel Glenn Jr. was an American Marine Corps aviator, astronaut, businessman, and politician. He was the third American in space and the first to orbit the Earth, circling it three times in 1962. Following his retirement from NASA, he served from 1974 to 1999 as a U.S. senator from Ohio. In 1998, he flew into space again at the age of 77.

During his military career, Glenn served as a distinguished Marine Corps fighter pilot in both World War II and the Korean War. He flew dozens of combat missions, earning numerous decorations for his skill and bravery in the air, including multiple awards of the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal. His post-war service saw him transition into test piloting, which eventually paved the way for his selection as one of the Mercury Seven astronauts.

Glenn's historic flight aboard Friendship 7 made him a national hero. Decades after his historic orbital flight, he returned to space aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery, conducting research on aging and spaceflight. His life of public service spanned over half a century, combining military heroism, pioneering space exploration, and decades of legislative service in the United States Senate.