Who Is John Glenn? Age, Biography, and Wiki
John Glenn was born on July 18, 1921, in Cambridge, Ohio. He was a pioneering American astronaut who became the first American to orbit the Earth on February 20, 1962. Besides his significant contributions to space exploration, Glenn served as a U.S. Senator from Ohio, showcasing his versatile talents in both science and politics. He passed away on December 8, 2016, but his legacy endures, inspiring generations in both aerospace and public service.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 18, 1921 |
| Age | 95 Years |
| Birth Place | Cambridge, Ohio, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 8 December, 2016 |
| Died Place | Columbus, Ohio, U.S. |
Popularity
John Glenn's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While Glenn's physical statistics are less critical compared to his achievements, he stood at approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall and maintained a good physique throughout his life, which was essential for his training and missions in the demanding field of space exploration.
Eisenhower directed NASA to recruit its first astronauts from military test pilots. Of 508 graduates of test pilot schools, 110 matched the minimum standards. Marine Corps pilots were mistakenly omitted at first; two were quickly found, including Glenn.
The candidates had to be younger than 40, possess a bachelor's degree or equivalent, and be 5 ft or less. Only the height requirement was strictly enforced, owing to the size of the Project Mercury spacecraft.
This was fortunate for Glenn, who barely met the requirements, as he was near the age cutoff and lacked a science-based degree, but had taken more classes since leaving college than needed for graduation.
Glenn was otherwise so outstanding a candidate that Colonel Jake Dill, his commanding officer at test pilot school, visited NASA headquarters to insist that Glenn would be the perfect astronaut.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
John Glenn was married to his high school sweetheart, Anna Margaret Castor, whom he met when they were just young teenagers. Their love story spanned over 73 years before his passing. Anna remained by his side, and together they shared a deep commitment that inspired many. John and Anna had two children, David and Carolyn, who continue to honor Glenn’s legacy.
John Herschel Glenn Jr. (1895–1966), who worked for a plumbing firm, and Clara Teresa Glenn (Sproat; 1897–1971), a teacher. His parents had married shortly before John Sr., a member of the American Expeditionary Force, left for the Western Front during World War I.
The family moved to New Concord, Ohio, soon after his birth, and his father started his own business, the Glenn Plumbing Company. Glenn Jr. was only a toddler when he met Anna Margaret (Annie) Castor, whom he would later marry. The two would not be able to recall a time when they did not know each other.
He first flew in an airplane with his father when he was eight years old. He became fascinated by flight and built model airplanes from balsa wood kits. Along with his adopted sister Jean, he attended New Concord Elementary School.
He washed cars and sold rhubarb to earn money to buy a bicycle, after which he took a job delivering The Columbus Dispatch newspaper. He was a member of the Ohio Rangers, an organization similar to the Cub Scouts. His boyhood home in New Concord has been restored as a historic house museum and education center.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, John Glenn’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million. His career as an astronaut, senator, and speaker contributed to his earnings, alongside various endorsements and appearances related to his storied life. As a public figure, Glenn generated substantial income from his writing and speaking engagements after retiring from politics.
In December 1948, Glenn was re-posted to NAS Corpus Christi as a student at the Naval School of All-Weather Flight before becoming a flight instructor. In July 1951, he traveled to the Amphibious Warfare School at Marine Corps Base Quantico in northern Virginia for a six-month course.
He then joined the staff of the commandant of the Marine Corps Schools. He maintained his proficiency (and flight pay) by flying on weekends, although he was only allowed four hours of flying time per month. He was promoted to major in July 1952.
Glenn received the World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (with one star), Navy Occupation Service Medal (with Asia clasp), and the China Service Medal for his efforts.
Career, Business and Investments
Glenn’s career spanned multiple domains—from aviation to politics and public service. He was a decorated Marine Corps pilot before becoming an astronaut with NASA. After his space missions, Glenn served in the U.S. Senate from 1974 to 1999. He made a historic return to space aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery in 1998 at the age of 77, making him the oldest person to fly in space, which diverted immense media attention and sparked new interest in human spaceflight.
In addition to his public service, Glenn was involved in various organizations and investments. He was a prominent advocate for aerospace and technology education and supported initiatives aimed at inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers.
At the end of his one-year tour of duty in February 1945, Glenn was assigned to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in North Carolina, then to Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland. He was promoted to captain in July 1945 and ordered back to Cherry Point.
There, he joined VMF-913, another Corsair squadron, and learned that he had qualified for a regular commission. In March 1946, he was assigned to Marine Corps Air Station El Toro in southern California. He volunteered for service with the occupation in North China, believing it would be a short tour.
He joined VMF-218 (another Corsair squadron), which was based at Nanyuan Field near Beijing, in December 1946, and flew patrol missions until VMF-218 was transferred to Guam in March 1947.
Social Network
Though John Glenn passed away in 2016, his legacy continues to resonate on various social media platforms. His family maintains an online presence, sharing memories and tributes, while organizations like NASA often honor his contributions through retrospectives and educational posts.
On July 16, 1957, Glenn made the first supersonic transcontinental flight. Disliking his Bureau of Aeronautics desk job, he devised the flight as both a way to keep flying and publicly demonstrate the F8U Crusader.
At that time, the transcontinental speed record, held by an Air Force Republic F-84 Thunderjet, was 3 hours 45 minutes and Glenn calculated that the F8U Crusader could do it faster. Because its 586 mph air speed was faster than that of a .45 caliber bullet, Glenn called the flight Project Bullet.
He flew an F8U Crusader 2445 mi from Los Alamitos, California, to Floyd Bennett Field in New York City in 3 hours, 23 minutes and 8.3 seconds, averaging supersonic speed despite three in-flight refuelings when speeds dropped below 300 mph. His on-board camera took the first continuous, transcontinental panoramic photograph of the United States.
He received his fifth Distinguished Flying Cross for this mission, and was promoted to lieutenant colonel on April 1, 1959. The cross-country flight made Glenn a minor celebrity. A profile appeared in The New York Times, and he appeared on the television show Name That Tune.
Glenn now had nearly 9,000 hours of flying time, including about 3,000 hours in jets, but knew that at the age of 36, he was now likely too old to continue to fly.
Education
Glenn graduated from Muskingum College in 1942 with a degree in engineering. His educational background laid the foundation for his exceptional skills as an aviator and astronaut. Later, he participated in numerous training programs throughout his career, always emphasizing the importance of education and lifelong learning.
Glenn was one of the Mercury Seven military test pilots selected in 1959 by NASA as the nation's first astronauts. On February 20, 1962, Glenn flew the Friendship 7 mission, becoming the first American to orbit the Earth. He was the third American, and the fifth person, to be in space.
He received the NASA Distinguished Service Medal in 1962, the Congressional Space Medal of Honor in 1978, was inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in 1990, and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012.
