Following combat duty in both World War II and Korea, John Glenn joined NASA’s Mercury program as a member of NASA’s original astronaut group. He was the first American in space and orbited the Earth in Friendship 7 in 1962, the first man to do so. After retiring from NASA, he entered politics as a Democrat and represented Ohio in the United States Senate from 1974 to 1999.
Sponsored by:
John
Herschel
Glenn
July 18, 1921
–
December 8, 2016
Born:
Cambridge
,
Ohio
Home:
New Concord
,
Ohio
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in addition to two previously awarded Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters in lieu of a Sixth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Colonel John Herschel Glenn (MCSN: 0-21149), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an Astronaut with NASA on 20 February 1962, aboard FRIENDSHIP 7.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Lieutenant Colonel [then Major]Action Date:
July 16, 1957
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in addition to two previously awarded Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel [then Major] John Herschel Glenn (MCSN: 0-21149), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on Operation BULLET on 16 July 1957. As pilot of an F8U Crusader airplane, Major Glenn accomplished the first upper atmosphere supersonic transcontinental flight from the West to the East Coast. In achieving this aviation first of sustained supersonic flight, Major Glenn became the first man in the history of aviation to span the nation faster than the speed of sound, establishing a new official transcontinental speed record of 3 hours, 23 minutes and 08 seconds. By this noteworthy and foremost achievement Major Glenn demonstrated this country’s significant development of aircraft and airmanship, and focused public attention on the Naval contribution to the advancement of military aviation and national security. His skillful flight planning, thorough knowledge of high altitude flying, outstanding piloting ability, fortitude, and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
MajorRegiment:
51st Fighter Interceptor WingAction Date:
July 12, 1953
Headquarters, 5th Air Force, General Orders No. 619 (September 11, 1953)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in addition to a previously awarded Gold Star lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Air Force Award) to Major John Herschel Glenn (MCSN: 0-21149), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while flying aerial combat over North Korea with the 51st Fighter Interceptor Wing on 12 July 1953. Major Glenn was leading a flight of two F-86 type aircraft on a Yalu River Patrol. Upon entering the patrol area, eight MiG-15 type aircraft were observed at about 1,000 feet. Major Glenn immediately initiated an attack on the enemy aircraft. After closing in to about 2,000 feet of the enemy MiG-15, he opened fire and fired in to about 100 feet scoring numerous hits and causing extensive damage. After passing over the enemy aircraft it began to burn intensely and crashed into level ground completely demolished. Major Glenn’s flying ability and mental alertness have been outstanding, and his courage and devotion to duty have brought great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain John Herschel Glenn (MCSN: 0-21149), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Marshall Islands Area from 2 to 14 November 1944. Captain Glenn completed his fortieth flight in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain John Herschel Glenn (MCSN: 0-21149), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Marshall Islands Area from 21 to 29 August 1944. Captain Glenn completed twenty flights in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Headquarters, 5th Air Force, General Orders No. 18 (April 22, 1957)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in addition to a Previously awarded Gold Star lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Air Force Award) to Major John Herschel Glenn (MCSN: 0-21149), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 19 July 1953. Shortly after observing a flight of enemy aircraft, Major Glenn’s wingman developed engine trouble and was attacked by a flight of six MiG-15 type aircraft. Major Glenn turned into the attacking aircraft and succeeded in scoring hits that resulted in the destruction of one enemy aircraft and enabled his wingman to return safely to his home base. The exemplary courage and devotion to his fellowman displayed by Major Glenn reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.