46 Interesting Facts about John Glenn

Dan August 19, 2023

John Herschel Glenn Jr. (1921–2016) was an American astronaut, pilot, and senator who made history as the first American to orbit the Earth and later became the oldest person to travel into space. Born on July 18, 1921, in Cambridge, Ohio, Glenn’s life was marked by his dedication to aviation, space exploration, and public service.

Glenn’s aviation journey began as a Marine Corps pilot during World War II and the Korean War, where he flew combat missions. His skills as a test pilot led him to be selected as one of the original seven Mercury astronauts by NASA in 1959. On February 20, 1962, he piloted the Friendship 7 spacecraft, becoming the first American to orbit the Earth. His three orbits marked a historic milestone in the Space Race and cemented his place in history.

After his spaceflight, Glenn held various roles within NASA and the military, but he also ventured into politics. In 1974, he was elected as a Democratic U.S. Senator from Ohio, serving for four terms. In 1998, at the age of 77, Glenn returned to space as a mission specialist on the Space Shuttle Discovery, becoming the oldest person to fly in space.

John Glenn’s legacy extends beyond his pioneering space missions. His achievements symbolize the spirit of exploration, determination, and courage that define the human quest to reach new frontiers. His dedication to public service and his willingness to push the boundaries of what is possible serve as an inspiration to generations of astronauts, scientists, and citizens who share his passion for discovery and advancement.

To know more about John Glenn, let’s take a look at these 46 interesting facts about John Glenn.

1. John Herschel Glenn Jr. was born on July 18, 1921, in Cambridge, Ohio.
2. He was the only child of John Herschel Glenn Sr. and Clara Sproat Glenn.
3. Glenn’s interest in flying was sparked by building model airplanes as a child.
4. He earned a private pilot’s license even before he had a driver’s license.
5. Glenn attended Muskingum College, where he studied engineering.
6. During World War II, Glenn served as a Marine Corps pilot, flying 59 combat missions.
7. He flew various aircraft, including the F4U Corsair and the F9F Panther.
8. Glenn’s nickname “Magnet Ass” came from his ability to attract bad luck during training.
9. He flew during the Korean War as well, completing 90 combat missions.
10. Glenn set a transcontinental speed record in 1957 by flying from Los Angeles to New York in just over 3 hours.
11. In 1959, Glenn was selected as one of the “Mercury Seven,” the first group of NASA astronauts.
12. His first spaceflight, Friendship 7, launched on February 20, 1962, making him the first American to orbit the Earth.
13. The flight lasted approximately 5 hours and orbited the Earth three times.
14. Glenn’s flight brought the U.S. back into the Space Race against the Soviet Union.
15. He experienced a malfunction with the spacecraft’s heat shield during re-entry, causing a tense moment before safely splashing down.
16. Glenn received numerous accolades and a ticker-tape parade in New York City after his historic flight.
17. He retired from NASA and the Marine Corps in 1965 and entered the business world.
18. Glenn considered running for political office in the 1960s but postponed his political career.
19. In 1974, he was elected as a U.S. Senator from Ohio, serving as a Democrat.
20. Glenn’s presidential campaign in 1984 was short-lived, but he returned to the Senate.
21. He sponsored legislation to create the Department of Energy and promote renewable energy sources.
22. In 1988, Glenn was inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame.
23. Glenn retired from the Senate in 1999 but was not finished with space exploration.
24. In 1998, at the age of 77, Glenn became the oldest person to travel in space, serving as a payload specialist on the Space Shuttle Discovery.
25. His mission focused on studying the effects of space travel on aging.
26. Glenn’s flight aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery was dubbed “STS-95.”
27. He conducted experiments, including studying fluid dynamics and observing the aurora borealis.
28. Glenn’s return to space made him a national hero once again, decades after his historic Mercury flight.
29. He retired from the Marine Corps Reserve as a colonel in 1965.
30. Glenn’s wife, Annie Glenn, faced a speech impediment, and their advocacy helped raise awareness about stuttering.
31. The couple was married for 73 years until John Glenn’s passing.
32. Glenn’s space suit from the Friendship 7 mission was put on display at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
33. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in 2012.
34. Glenn’s autobiography, “John Glenn: A Memoir,” was published in 1999.
35. He was known for his humility, modesty, and dedication to public service.
36. Glenn was an advocate for science education and encouraging young people to pursue careers in STEM fields.
37. He received honorary degrees from numerous universities, including Yale and Harvard.
38. The John Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio, was named in his honor in 1999.
39. Glenn was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2011.
40. He was a recipient of the Langley Gold Medal from the Smithsonian Institution.
41. Glenn’s spaceflights paved the way for future human space exploration, including missions to the moon and beyond.
42. He passed away on December 8, 2016, at the age of 95.
43. After his death, tributes poured in from around the world, celebrating his contributions to space exploration and public service.
44. The John Glenn College of Public Affairs at The Ohio State University is named in his honor.
45. His legacy endures as a symbol of American ingenuity, courage, and the enduring human spirit of exploration.
46. John Glenn’s life story serves as an inspiration for generations to come, reminding us that with determination and a pioneering spirit, we can reach the stars and achieve greatness.

John Glenn’s life story is an extraordinary narrative of a man who transcended boundaries and achieved greatness in multiple realms. From his early days as a daring pilot to his historic spaceflight that captured the world’s imagination, Glenn’s journey exemplified courage, determination, and a relentless pursuit of exploration. His contributions to space exploration, scientific inquiry, and public service have left an indelible mark on history. Beyond the accolades, Glenn’s humility, unwavering values, and dedication to serving his country and inspiring future generations make him a true American hero. John Glenn’s legacy shines as a guiding light, illuminating the boundless possibilities of human achievement and the profound impact one individual can have on the course of history.