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John H. Glenn



John H. Glenn

John H. Glenn
JOHN H. GLENN
Col. USMC Ret.
U.S. Astronaut
Born Cambridge, Ohio, July 18, 1921. Rated naval aviator, USMC 1943. 59 combat missions as fighter pilot in the Pacific Theatre; 63 missions and three victories in Korea. USN test pilot 1953. In 1957 he established a transcontinental flight to average supersonic speed.

First American astronaut to achieve orbital flight. On February 20, 1962, piloting Mercury spacecraft "Friendship 7", completed 3 successful orbits giving the United States its first true manned space flight. Altitude of 166 miles, velocity 17,755 MPH, flight time four hours 55 minutes.

Modesty, integrity, dedication of this man is typified by the closing remarks of his address to the U.S. Congress after his epic flight -- "As our knowledge of the universe increases ... may God grant us the wisdom to use it wisely".
Elected to the International Aerospace Hall of Fame 1968