American baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1965 to 1975, known for being a four-time All-Star and winning the American League ERA title in 1968.
John Glenn is an American hero and a pioneer in the field of space exploration. On February 20, 1962, he became the first American to orbit the Earth, completing three orbits in his Friendship 7 spacecraft.
John Herschel Glenn Jr. was born on July 18, 1921, in Cambridge, Ohio, to John and Clara Glenn. He developed an early interest in flight, earning his pilot's license at the age of 20. During World War II, Glenn served as a Marine Corps fighter pilot, flying 149 combat missions.
After the war, Glenn became a test pilot at the Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland. In 1958, he set a new transcontinental speed record, flying from Los Angeles to New York in just under 3.5 hours. His achievements caught the attention of NASA, and in 1959, he was selected as one of the original seven Mercury astronauts.
On February 20, 1962, Glenn launched into space aboard the Friendship 7 spacecraft, becoming the first American to orbit the Earth. During his nearly five-hour flight, he orbited the planet three times, reaching a maximum altitude of 162 miles. His mission marked a major milestone in the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union.
After his historic spaceflight, Glenn retired from NASA and the Marine Corps in 1964. He was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1974, representing Ohio for 24 years. In 1998, at the age of 77, Glenn flew on the Space Shuttle Discovery, becoming the oldest person to fly in space.
Throughout his illustrious career, Glenn received numerous awards and honors, including the Congressional Space Medal of Honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the NASA Distinguished Service Medal. He was also inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame and the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame.
Glenn married his wife, Annie Glenn, in 1943, and they had two children together. He was a devoted husband and father, and his commitment to public service was inspired by his strong sense of duty and patriotism. John Glenn's remarkable achievements and legacy continue to inspire generations of Americans, solidifying his place in history as a true American hero.
John Glenn's remarkable life and achievements serve as a testament to the power of determination, hard work, and public service. As a pioneer in the field of space exploration, he inspired a generation of Americans and left a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire and motivate future generations.
Born in 1923
First American in space, commanded Apollo 14 mission, and walked on the Moon.
Born in 1926
One of the original seven astronauts in NASA's Project Mercury, a decorated military pilot, and a pioneer in space exploration, known for being the second American in space and commanding the first manned Gemini mission.
Born in 1923
One of the original seven astronauts in Project Mercury, this pioneer flew on three historic spaceflights, including the first American manned orbital flight and the Apollo 7 mission.
Born in 1924
One of the original Mercury Seven astronauts, he was a decorated war veteran and test pilot who later became a NASA executive, playing a crucial role in the development of the US space program.
95 Years Old
First person to walk on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission, marking a historic milestone in space exploration.
96 Years Old
Second man to walk on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission, a pioneering astronaut and advocate for space exploration.
95 Years Old
Led the third manned mission to land on the Moon, Apollo 12, and became the third person to walk on its surface. Known for his bold and fearless approach to space exploration.
98 Years Old
Commander of the Apollo 13 mission, known for his heroic efforts in saving his crew after an explosion occurred on board. He's an iconic figure in space exploration history.