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".
|