Glenn Jr., John H. (1921- )
American astronaut and senator
John H. Glenn Jr. was the first American to orbit the earth. In the wake of this 1962 feat, Glenn became a national hero on the order of Trans-Atlantic aviator Charles A. Lindbergh—a status that helped carry him to a second career in the United States Senate. As a 77-year-old, he made history again when he became the oldest American to travel in space on Oct. 29, 1998, aboard the space shuttle Discovery. His mission was a series of experiments on aging.
John Herschel Glenn Jr. was born in Cambridge, Ohio, and grew up in nearby New Concord. He was the son of plumber John Herschel Glenn and Clara Sproat. Glenn credits his parents with instilling his deep-rooted Presbyterian faith and the accompanying philosophy that everyone is given certain talents and a duty to use them to the fullest. In high school Glenn was a diligent student who earned top grades. He worked hard athletically as well, lettering in three sports. After high school Glenn entered Muskingum College in New Concord, majoring in chemistry. His high school sweetheart, Anna Castor, enrolled as well.
After two and a half years of study, Glenn entered a local civilian pilot training program and learned to fly.
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