Marine Corps' statement on passing of Col John Glenn Jr.
Courtesy Photo |
President Barack Obama presents former United States Marine Corps pilot, astronaut,......read moreread more
Courtesy Photo | President Barack Obama presents former United States Marine Corps pilot, astronaut, and United States Senator John Glenn with a Medal of Freedom, Tuesday, May 29, 2012, during a ceremony at the White House in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
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Col John H. Glenn Jr. — an astronaut, a senator, a Marine — died at the age of 95.
The Marine Corps is saddened by the news that one of Marine Corps aviation’s legendary trailblazers and an American hero has passed away. Glenn led a monumental life and is an inspiration to us all and our fellow Marines.
Upon completing his training in 1943, Glenn served as a fighter pilot in WWII and the Korean War. For his service in 149 combat missions in two wars, he received numerous honors, including the Distinguished Flying Cross (six occasions) and the Air Medal with eighteen clusters.
On February 20, 1962 Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth and the fifth person in space. Glenn received the Congressional Space Medal of Honor in 1978, and was inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in 1990.
The Marine Corps’ deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Col. Glenn. He will be missed.
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