View source for John Glenn

{{Short description|American astronaut and politician (1921–2016)}}
{{Redirect|Senator Glenn}}
{{Other people}}
{{Featured article}}
{{Use American English|date=July 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| image               = John Glenn Low Res.jpg
| caption             = Official portrait, 1990s
| jr/sr               = United States Senator
| state               = [[Ohio]]
| term_start          = December 24, 1974
| term_end            = January 3, 1999
| predecessor         = [[Howard Metzenbaum]]
| successor           = [[George Voinovich]]
| office1             = Chair of the [[Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee]]
| term_start1         = January 3, 1987
| term_end1           = January 3, 1995
| predecessor1        = [[William Roth]]
| successor1          = William Roth
| birth_name          = John Herschel Glenn Jr.
| birth_date          = {{birth date|1921|7|18}}
| birth_place         = [[Cambridge, Ohio]], U.S.
| death_date          = {{death date and age|2016|12|8|1921|7|18}}
| death_place         = [[Columbus, Ohio]], U.S.
| resting_place       = [[Arlington National Cemetery]]
| party               = [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]]
| spouse              = {{marriage|[[Annie Glenn|Anna Margaret Castor]]|1943<!-- Per current template instructions -->}}
| children            = 2
| education           = [[Muskingum University]] ([[Bachelor of Science|BS]])
| signature           = John Glenn Signature.svg
| awards              = {{ubl|
* [[Congressional Gold Medal]]
* [[Presidential Medal of Freedom]]
* [[Congressional Space Medal of Honor]]
* [[NASA Distinguished Service Medal]]}}
| branch              = {{ubl|[[United States Navy]]|[[United States Marine Corps]]}}
| serviceyears        = 1941–1965
| rank                = [[Colonel (United States)|Colonel]]
| battles             = {{ubl|[[World War II]]|[[Korean War]]}}
| mawards             = {{ubl|[[Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)|Distinguished Flying Cross]] (6)|[[Air Medal]] (18)}}
| module              = {{Infobox astronaut
| child         = yes
| type          = [[NASA astronaut]]
| time          = 4h 55m 23s<ref>{{cite web |title=Mercury-Atlas 6 |url=https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/mercury/missions/friendship7.html |publisher=NASA |date=November 20, 2006 |access-date=November 15, 2018}}</ref>
| selection     = [[Mercury Seven|NASA Group 1 (1959)]]
| mission       = [[Mercury-Atlas 6]]
| insignia      = [[File:Mercury 6 - Patch.png|50px]]
| retirement    = January 16, 1964<!-- NOTE: Do not change from January 16, 1964; Glenn was retired when he flew the STS-95 Shuttle mission in 1998 -->}}
| module2             = {{Infobox astronaut
| child         = yes
| type          = NASA [[payload specialist]]
| time          = 9d 19h 54m<ref>{{cite web |title=STS-95 |url=https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/archives/sts-95.html |publisher=NASA |access-date=November 15, 2018}}</ref>
| mission       = [[STS-95]]
| insignia      = [[File:STS-95 Patch.svg|50px]]}}
}}

'''John Herschel Glenn Jr.''' (July 18, 1921&nbsp;– December 8, 2016) was an American [[Marine Corps aviator]], [[astronaut]], businessman, and politician. He was the third American in space and the first to orbit the Earth, circling it three times in 1962.<ref>{{cite web|title=John Glenn becomes first American to orbit Earth|url=https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/an-american-orbits-earth|date=February 9, 2010|publisher=A&E Television Networks|access-date=February 22, 2023}}</ref> Following his retirement from [[NASA]], he served from 1974 to 1999 as a [[United States Senate|U.S. Senator]] from [[Ohio]]; in 1998, he flew into space again at the age of 77.

Before joining NASA, Glenn was a distinguished [[fighter pilot]] in [[World War II]], the [[Chinese Civil War]], and the [[Korean War]]. He shot down three [[MiG-15]]s and was awarded six [[Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)|Distinguished Flying Crosses]] and eighteen [[Air Medal]]s. In 1957, he made the first [[supersonic]] [[transcontinental flight]] across the United States. His on-board camera took the first continuous, panoramic photograph of the United States.

[[File:John Glenn B-Roll.webm|thumb|thumbtime=41|Various NASA video clips of John Glenn through the years.]]

Glenn was one of the [[Mercury Seven]] military [[test pilot]]s selected in 1959 by NASA as the nation's first astronauts. On February 20, 1962, Glenn flew the ''[[Mercury-Atlas 6|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 [[United States Astronaut Hall of Fame|U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame]] in 1990, and received the [[Presidential Medal of Freedom]] in 2012.

Glenn resigned from NASA in January 1964. A member of the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]], Glenn was first [[1974 United States Senate election in Ohio|elected to the Senate in 1974]] and served for 24 years until January 1999. In 1998, at age 77, Glenn flew on [[Space Shuttle Discovery|Space Shuttle ''Discovery'']]{{'s}} [[STS-95]] mission, making him the oldest person to enter Earth orbit, the only person to fly in both the Mercury and the [[Space Shuttle program]]s, and the first Member of Congress to visit space since Congressman [[Bill Nelson]] in 1986. Glenn, both the oldest and the last surviving member of the Mercury Seven, died at the age of 95 on December 8, 2016.

== Early life and education ==
John Herschel Glenn Jr. was born on July 18, 1921, in [[Cambridge, Ohio]], the son of John Herschel Glenn Sr., who worked for a plumbing firm, and Clara Teresa Glenn ({{nee|Sproat}}), a teacher.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum|access-date=January 30, 2017|url=https://www.jfklibrary.org/Asset-Viewer/Archives/JFKWHP-ST-A13-30-62.aspx|title=John Glenn's parents|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221105207/https://www.jfklibrary.org/Asset-Viewer/Archives/JFKWHP-ST-A13-30-62.aspx|archive-date=December 21, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://library.osu.edu/sites/archives/glenn/collection/audiovisuals/certificates.htm |title=John Glenn Archives, Audiovisuals Subgroup, Series 3: Certificates |publisher=Ohio State University |access-date=August 30, 2013
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221034049/http://library.osu.edu/projects/john-glenn-collection/audiovisuals/certificates.htm
|archive-date=December 21, 2014}}</ref> His parents had married shortly before John Sr., a member of the [[American Expeditionary Force]], left for the [[Western Front (World War I)|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.{{sfn|Burgess|2015|pp=43–46}}{{sfn|Kupperberg|2003|pp=15, 35}} Glenn Jr. was only a toddler when he met [[Annie Glenn|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.{{sfn|Burgess|2015|pp=43–46}} 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.{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|pp=13–16}} Along with his adopted sister Jean,{{sfn|Burgess|2015|pp=43–46}} he attended New Concord Elementary School.{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|p=25}} He washed cars and sold [[rhubarb]] to earn money to buy a bicycle, after which he took a job delivering ''[[The Columbus Dispatch]]'' newspaper.{{sfn|Burgess|2015|pp=46–47}} He was a member of the [[Boy Rangers of America|Ohio Rangers]], an organization similar to the [[Cub Scouting (Boy Scouts of America)|Cub Scouts]].{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|pp=24–29}} His boyhood home in New Concord has been [[Building restoration|restored]] as a [[historic house museum]] and education center.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24698180/john_glenn_for_kees/|via=Newspapers.com|title=John Glenn Boyhood Home and Museum|newspaper=The Times Recorder|location=Zanesville, Ohio|page=28|date=June 11, 2008}}</ref>

Glenn attended [[John Glenn High School (New Concord, Ohio)|New Concord High School]], where he played on the [[Varsity team|varsity]] [[American football|football]] team as a [[Center (gridiron football)|center]] and [[linebacker]]. He also made the varsity [[basketball]] and [[tennis]] teams and was involved with Hi-Y, a junior branch of the [[YMCA]].{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|p=47}} After graduating in 1939, Glenn entered [[Muskingum University|Muskingum College]] (now Muskingum University), where he studied [[chemistry]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/23180326/the_newsmessenger/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Off-Campus Credits for Glenn|agency=Associated Press|date=October 4, 1983|page=9|newspaper=The News-Messenger|location=Fremont, Ohio}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/23182167/lancaster_eaglegazette/|title=Glenn Plans Launch Of Big Venture Where It All Began|last1=Hannah|first1=James|agency=Associated Press|via=Newspapers.com|newspaper=Lancaster Eagle-Gazette|location=Lancaster, Ohio |date=March 29, 1983|page=12}}</ref> joined the Stag Club fraternity,<ref>{{cite news|agency=PR Newswire|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/1963-muskingum-grad-to-conduct-solar-experiments-aboard-oct-29-shuttle-flight-with-muskie-john-glenn-on-board-77024107.html|title=Muskingum Grad to Conduct Solar Experiments Aboard Oct. 29 Shuttle Flight with Muskie John Glenn on Board|date=October 16, 1998|access-date=September 24, 2015|publisher=Muskingum College|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925093230/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/1963-muskingum-grad-to-conduct-solar-experiments-aboard-oct-29-shuttle-flight-with-muskie-john-glenn-on-board-77024107.html|archive-date=September 25, 2015}}</ref> and played on the football team.{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|pp=58–59}} Annie majored in music with minors in secretarial studies and physical education and competed on the swimming and [[volleyball]] teams, graduating in 1942.{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|pp=58–59}} Glenn earned a [[private pilot license]] and a physics course credit for free through the [[Civilian Pilot Training Program]] in 1941.{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|p=60}} He did not complete his senior year in residence or take a proficiency exam, both required by the school for its [[Bachelor of Science]] degree.{{r|NewLondonDay}}{{efn|Muskingum awarded his [[bachelor's degree]] in 1962, after Glenn's [[Mercury Atlas 6|Mercury space flight]].<ref name="NewLondonDay" />}}

== Military career ==
=== World War II ===
When the United States entered World War II, Glenn quit college to enlist in the [[United States Army Air Corps|U.S. Army Air Corps]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQty14PvMaM&t=1m23s| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211030/jQty14PvMaM| archive-date=October 30, 2021|title=John Glenn Dead at 95 &#124; Remembering the First American To Orbit Earth|publisher=ABC News|date=December 8, 2016|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> He was not called to duty by the army and enlisted as a [[U.S. Navy]] [[Aviation Cadet Training Program (USN)|aviation cadet]] in March 1942. Glenn attended the [[University of Iowa]] in [[Iowa City, Iowa|Iowa City]] for pre-flight training and made his first solo flight in a military aircraft at [[Naval Air Station Olathe]] in [[Kansas]], where he went for primary training. During advanced training at [[Naval Air Station Corpus Christi]] in [[Texas]], he accepted an offer to transfer to the [[U.S. Marine Corps]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://library.osu.edu/sites/archives/glenn/glennbio.php|title=John Glenn: Biographical Sketch|publisher=Ohio State University|year=2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091017011820/http://library.osu.edu/sites/archives/glenn/glennbio.php|archive-date=October 17, 2009}}</ref> Having completed his flight training in March 1943, Glenn was commissioned as a [[second lieutenant]]. Glenn married Annie in a Presbyterian ceremony at College Drive Church in New Concord on April 6, 1943.{{sfn|Burgess|2015|p=50}} After advanced training at [[Camp Kearny]], California, he was assigned to Marine Squadron [[VMJ-353]], which flew [[R4D]] transport planes from there.{{sfn|Burgess|2015|pp=51–55}}

The [[Fighter aircraft|fighter]] squadron [[VMO-155]] was also at Camp Kearny flying the [[Grumman F4F Wildcat]]. Glenn approached the squadron's commander, [[Major (United States)|Major]] J. P. Haines, who suggested that he could put in for a transfer. This was approved, and Glenn was posted to VMO-155 on July 2, 1943, two days before the squadron moved to [[Marine Corps Air Station El Centro]] in California.{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|pp=93–96}} The Wildcat was obsolete by this time, and VMO-155 re-equipped with the [[Vought F4U Corsair|F4U Corsair]] in September 1943.{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|pp=103–107}} He was promoted to [[First lieutenant#U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Air Force|first lieutenant]] in October 1943, and shipped out to Hawaii in January 1944.{{sfn|Burgess|2015|pp=51–55}} VMO-155 became part of the garrison on [[Midway Atoll]] on February 21,{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|pp=111–117}} then moved to the [[Marshall Islands]] in June 1944 and flew 57 combat missions in the area.{{sfn|Burgess|2015|pp=51–55}}{{sfn|Carpenter et al.|2010|p=31}} He received two Distinguished Flying Crosses and ten Air Medals.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.osu.edu/johnglenn/the_man.html|title=The Man|publisher=Ohio State University|access-date=January 28, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202120725/https://www.osu.edu/johnglenn/the_man.html|archive-date=February 2, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://valor.militarytimes.com/recipient.php?recipientid=34115 |title=Valor awards for John Herschel Glenn |work=Military Times |access-date=February 28, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220819052456/https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/34115 | archive-date = August 19, 2022 }}</ref>

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 (United States O-3)|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.{{sfn|Burgess|2015|pp=51–55}}{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|pp=135–141}} 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 [[Beijing Nanyuan Airport|Nanyuan Field]] near Beijing, in December 1946,{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|p=147}} and flew patrol missions until VMF-218 was transferred to [[Guam]] in March 1947.{{sfn|Burgess|2015|pp=51–55}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/33458/marine-corps-veteran-john-glenn/|title=#VeteranOfTheDay Marine Corps Veteran John Glenn|publisher=U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs|access-date=January 28, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202052107/http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/33458/marine-corps-veteran-john-glenn/|archive-date=February 2, 2017|date=December 8, 2016}}</ref>

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]].{{sfn|Burgess|2015|pp=51–55}} In July 1951, he traveled to the [[Amphibious Warfare School]] at [[Marine Corps Base Quantico]] in northern [[Virginia]] for a six-month course.{{sfn|Tilton|2000|p=34}} 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.{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|p=166}} He was promoted to major in July 1952.{{sfn|Burgess|2015|pp=51–55}} Glenn received the [[World War II Victory Medal (United States)|World War II Victory Medal]], [[American Campaign Medal]], [[Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal]] (with one [[service star|star]]), [[Navy Occupation Service Medal]] (with Asia clasp), and the [[China Service Medal]] for his efforts.<ref name="nasa" /><ref name="marines" />

=== Korean War ===
[[File:F-86 'MiG Mad Marine'.jpg|thumb|right|alt=Glenn's silver fighter plane on the tarmac, with a yellow stripe behind the cockpit and a checkered pattern on the tail|Glenn's USAF [[North American F-86 Sabre|F-86F]], dubbed "MiG Mad Marine", during the Korean War in 1953. The names of his wife and children are also written on the aircraft.]]
Glenn moved his family back to New Concord during a short period of leave, and after two and a half months of jet training at Cherry Point, was ordered to [[South Korea]] in October 1952, late in the Korean War.{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|pp=167–169}} Before he set out for Korea in February 1953, he applied to fly the [[North American F-86 Sabre|F-86 Sabre]] jet [[interceptor aircraft|fighter-interceptor]] through an inter-service exchange position with the [[U.S. Air Force]] (USAF). In preparation, he arranged with Colonel Leon W. Gray to check out the F-86 at [[Otis Air Force Base]] in [[Massachusetts]].{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|pp=186–187}} Glenn reported to [[Pohang Airport|K-3]], an airbase in South Korea, on February 3, 1953, and was assigned to be the operations officer for [[VMF-311]], one of two Marine fighter squadrons there while he waited for the exchange assignment to go through.{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|p=171}} VMF-311 was equipped with the [[F9F Panther]] jet [[fighter-bomber]]. Glenn's first mission was a reconnaissance flight on February 26.{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|p=175}} He flew 63 combat missions in Korea with VMF-311{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|p=186}} and was nicknamed "Magnet Ass" because of the number of [[flak]] hits he took on low-level [[close air support]] missions;{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|p=180}} twice, he returned to base with over 250 holes in his plane.{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|p=180}}{{sfn|Mersky|1983|p=183}} He flew for a time with Marine reservist [[Ted Williams]] (then in the midst of a [[Baseball Hall of Fame|Hall of Fame]] baseball career with the [[Boston Red Sox]]) as his [[wingman]].{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|pp=180–184}} Williams later said about Glenn "Absolutely fearless. The best I ever saw. It was an honor to fly with him."<ref>{{Cite web|title=How Ted Williams described being John Glenn's wingman |url=https://www.boston.com/sports/boston-red-sox/2016/12/08/ted-williams-john-glenn-photo|access-date=November 14, 2020|website=www.boston.com|language=en-US}}</ref> Glenn also flew with future major general [[Ralph H. Spanjer]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1999/02/12/ralph-h-spanjer-78-led-military-academy/|newspaper=Chicago Tribune |location=Chicago |title=Ralph H. Spanjer, 78|date=February 12, 1999|access-date=December 8, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410130756/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1999-02-12/news/9902120350_1_long-military-career-boarding-marine-corps|archive-date=April 10, 2016|last1=Breslin|first1=Meg McSherry}}</ref>

In June 1953, Glenn reported for duty with the USAF's [[25th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron]] and flew 27 combat missions in the F-86, a much faster aircraft than the F9F Panther, patrolling [[MiG Alley]].<ref>{{cite journal |hdl=1811/50348|title=John Glenn standing beside his F-86 Sabre|journal=John Glenn Archives, the Ohio State University. Original Photo, 4 X 5 Inches |series=John Glenn Archives|id=Original Photo, 4&nbsp;×&nbsp;5 Inches|publisher=Ohio State University|year=1953}}
</ref><ref name="nasa">{{cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/content/profile-of-john-glenn|title=Profile of John Glenn|publisher=NASA|access-date=January 28, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220080323/https://www.nasa.gov/content/profile-of-john-glenn/|archive-date=December 20, 2016|date=December 5, 2016}}</ref> Combat with a [[MiG-15]], which was faster and better armed still,{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|pp=187}} was regarded as a rite of passage for a fighter pilot. On the Air Force buses that ferried the pilots out to the airfields before dawn, pilots who had engaged a MiG could sit while those who had not had to stand.{{sfn|Wolfe|1979|pp=41–42}} Glenn later wrote, "Since the days of the [[Lafayette Escadrille]] during World War I, pilots have viewed air-to-air combat as the ultimate test not only of their machines but of their own personal determination and flying skills. I was no exception."{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|p=185}} He hoped to become the second Marine jet [[flying ace]] after [[John F. Bolt]]. Glenn's USAF squadron mates painted "MiG Mad Marine" on his aircraft when he complained about there not being any MiGs to shoot at.{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|p=189}} He shot down his first MiG in a [[dogfight]] on July 12, 1953, downed a second one on July 19, and a third on July 22 when four Sabres shot down three MiGs. These were the final air victories of the war, which ended with an armistice five days later.{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|pp=192–196}} For his service in Korea, Glenn received two more Distinguished Flying Crosses and eight more Air Medals.<ref name=USAToday>{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2016/12/08/john-glenn-astronaut-and-senator-dead-age-95/95155500/|title=John Glenn, astronaut and Senator, dead at age 95|newspaper=The Cincinnati Enquirer|location=MacLean, Virginia|date=December 8, 2016|access-date=March 27, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170327050027/http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2016/12/08/john-glenn-astronaut-and-senator-dead-age-95/95155500/|archive-date=March 27, 2017|last1=Faherty|first1=John}}</ref>{{sfn|Burgess|2015|pp=55–56}} Glenn also received the [[Korean Service Medal]] (with two campaign stars), [[United Nations Korea Medal]], [[Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal]], [[National Defense Service Medal]] (with one star), and the [[Korean War Service Medal]].<ref name="nasa" /><ref name="marines">{{cite web|url=https://www.marines.mil/News/Messages/Messages-Display/Article/1026297/death-of-john-h-glenn-jr-retired-marine-and-us-senator/|title=Death of John H. Glenn Jr., Retired Marine and U.S. Senator|date=December 9, 2016|access-date=April 10, 2017|publisher=Marine Corps |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170411140440/http://www.marines.mil/News/Messages/Messages-Display/Article/1026297/death-of-john-h-glenn-jr-retired-marine-and-us-senator/|archive-date=April 11, 2017}}</ref>

=== Test pilot ===
[[File:John Glenn on Jet (cropped).jpg|thumb|left|upright|alt=Photo of John Glenn leaning out of a cockpit looking into the distance|Glenn standing in the cockpit of a F-106B in 1961]]
With combat experience as a fighter pilot, Glenn applied for training as a [[flight test|test pilot]] while still in Korea. He reported to the [[U.S. Naval Test Pilot School]] at [[NAS Patuxent River]] in Maryland in January 1954 and graduated in July.{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|pp=204–206}}<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/1998/06/07/pax-river-yields-a-constellation-of-astronaut-candidates/46422314-1408-4c29-852b-2786d40e82a5/|location=Washington, D.C.|title=Pax River Yields a Constellation of Astronaut Candidates|last=Vogel|first=Steve|date=June 7, 1998|newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=December 8, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220131205/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/1998/06/07/pax-river-yields-a-constellation-of-astronaut-candidates/46422314-1408-4c29-852b-2786d40e82a5/|archive-date=December 20, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.navair.navy.mil/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.download&key=E2F96F0A-8324-40BB-BF94-6D2E9D04FDAA |title=The History of Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland |publisher=United States Navy |access-date=December 10, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304055015/http://www.navair.navy.mil/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.download&key=E2F96F0A-8324-40BB-BF94-6D2E9D04FDAA |archive-date=March 4, 2016 }}</ref> At Patuxent River, future [[Medal of Honor]] recipient [[James Stockdale]] tutored him in physics and math.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalaviation.org/our-enshrinees/stockdale-james-bond/|title=Jim Stockdale, Glenn's tutor at Pax River|publisher=The National Aviation Hall of Fame|access-date=February 15, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216103822/http://www.nationalaviation.org/our-enshrinees/stockdale-james-bond/|archive-date=February 16, 2017}}</ref> Glenn's first flight test assignment, testing the [[North American FJ-2/-3 Fury|FJ-3 Fury]], nearly killed him when its cockpit depressurized and its oxygen system failed.{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|pp=208–210}} He also tested the armament of aircraft such as the [[Vought F7U Cutlass]] and [[Vought F-8 Crusader|F8U Crusader]].{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|pp=212–220}} From November 1956 to April 1959, he was assigned to the Fighter Design Branch of the Navy [[Bureau of Aeronautics]] in Washington, D.C., and attended the [[University of Maryland, College Park|University of Maryland]].<ref name="nasajsc" />

On July 16, 1957, Glenn made the first [[supersonic]] transcontinental flight.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spaceflightinsider.com/space-flight-news/silent-seven-john-glenn-last-mercury-astronaut-dies-at-95/|title=Silent Seven: John Glenn, last Mercury astronaut, dies at 95|publisher=SpaceFlight Insider|access-date=December 8, 2016|date=December 8, 2016|last1=Rhian|first1=Jason|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170616031951/http://www.spaceflightinsider.com/obituary/silent-seven-john-glenn-last-mercury-astronaut-dies-at-95/|archive-date=June 16, 2017}}</ref> Disliking his Bureau of Aeronautics desk job, he devised the flight as both a way to keep flying and publicly demonstrate the F8U Crusader.{{r|shesol2021}} 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 {{convert|586|mph|adj=on}} air speed was faster than that of a [[.45 ACP|.45 caliber bullet]], Glenn called the flight ''Project Bullet''.{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|pp=220–221}} He flew an F8U Crusader {{convert|2445|mi}} from [[Los Alamitos Army Airfield|Los Alamitos, California]], to [[Floyd Bennett Field]] in New York City in 3 hours, 23 minutes and 8.3 seconds,<ref name="nasajsc" /> averaging supersonic speed despite three [[Aerial refueling|in-flight refuelings]] when speeds dropped below {{convert|300|mph}}. His on-board camera took the first continuous, transcontinental [[Panoramic photography|panoramic photograph]] of the United States.{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|pp=222–227}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.edn.com/electronics-blogs/edn-moments/4390414/-Project-Bullet--sets-transcontinental-speed-record-set--July-16--1957 |title='Project Bullet' sets transcontinental speed record, July 16, 1957 |publisher=EDN |access-date=December 10, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221015915/http://www.edn.com/electronics-blogs/edn-moments/4390414/-Project-Bullet--sets-transcontinental-speed-record-set--July-16--1957 |archive-date=December 21, 2016 |last1=Deffree|first1=Suzanne|date=July 16, 2012}}</ref> He received his fifth Distinguished Flying Cross for this mission,{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|p=228}} and was promoted to [[lieutenant colonel (United States)|lieutenant colonel]] on April 1, 1959.{{sfn|Burgess|2015|p=68}} 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]]''.{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|pp=222–227}} Glenn now had nearly 9,000 hours of flying time, including about 3,000 hours in jets,<ref name="nasajsc" /> but knew that at the age of 36, he was now likely too old to continue to fly.{{r|shesol2021}}
{{Clear}}

== NASA career ==
=== Selection ===
{{Main|Mercury Seven}}
[[File:GPN-2000-001027.jpg|thumb|upright|alt=Glenn in a silver spacesuit, with his helmet on and clear visor down|Glenn in his [[Navy Mark IV|Mercury spacesuit]] in 1962]]

On October 4, 1957, the [[Soviet Union]] launched [[Sputnik 1]], the first artificial [[satellite]]. This damaged American confidence in its technological superiority, creating a wave of anxiety known as the [[Sputnik crisis]]. In response, President [[Dwight D. Eisenhower]] launched the [[Space Race]]. The [[National Aeronautics and Space Administration]] (NASA) was established on October 1, 1958, as a civilian agency to develop space technology. One of its first initiatives was announced on December 17, 1958. This was [[Project Mercury]],{{sfn|Burgess|2011|pp=25–29}} which aimed to launch a man into [[Geocentric orbit|Earth orbit]], return him safely to the Earth, and evaluate his capabilities in space.{{sfn|Swenson|Grimwood|Alexander|1966|p=134}}

His Bureau of Aeronautics job gave Glenn access to new spaceflight news, such as the [[X-15]] rocket plane.{{r|shesol2021}} While on duty at Patuxent and in Washington, Glenn read everything he could find about space. His office was asked to send a test pilot to [[Langley Air Force Base]] in Virginia to make runs on a spaceflight simulator, as part of research by the newly formed NASA into re-entry vehicle shapes. The pilot would also be sent to the [[Naval Air Warfare Center Warminster|Naval Air Development Center]] in [[Johnsville, Pennsylvania]], and would be subjected to high [[G-force]]s in a [[centrifuge]] for comparison with data collected in the simulator. His request for the position was granted, and he spent several days at Langley and a week in Johnsville for the testing.<ref name="nasahistory">{{cite web|url=https://history.nasa.gov/40thmerc7/glenn.htm|title=John H. Glenn Jr|last1=Gray|first1=Tara|publisher=NASA History Program Office|access-date=December 9, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128151112/http://history.nasa.gov/40thmerc7/glenn.htm|archive-date=January 28, 2016}}</ref> As one of the very few pilots to have done such testing, Glenn had become an expert on the subject.{{r|shesol2021}} NASA asked military-service members to participate in planning the [[mockup]] of a spacecraft. Having participated in the research at Langley and Johnsville, he was sent to the [[McDonnell]] plant in [[St. Louis]] as a service adviser to NASA's spacecraft mockup board.<ref name="nasahistory" /> Envisioning himself in the vehicle, Glenn stated that the passenger would have to be able to control the spacecraft. McDonnell engineers told him of the importance of lightening the vehicle as much as possible, so Glenn began exercising to lose the {{convert|30|lb}} by which he estimated he was overweight.{{r|shesol2021}}

Eisenhower directed NASA to recruit its first astronauts from military test pilots. Of 508 graduates of test pilot schools, 110 matched the minimum standards.{{sfn|Atkinson|Shafritz|1985|pp=36–39}} Marine Corps pilots were mistakenly omitted at first; two were quickly found, including Glenn.<ref name="shesol2021">{{Cite book |last=Shesol |first=Jeff |title=Mercury Rising: John Glenn, John Kennedy, and the New Battleground of the Cold War |publisher=W. W. Norton & Company |year=2021 |isbn=9781324003250 |publication-place=New York |pages=31–32, 55–64}}</ref> The candidates had to be younger than 40, possess a bachelor's degree or equivalent, and be {{convert|5|ft|11|in}} or less. Only the height requirement was strictly enforced, owing to the size of the Project Mercury spacecraft.{{sfn|Burgess|2011|p=35}} This was fortunate for Glenn, who barely met the requirements, as he was near the age cutoff and lacked a science-based degree,<ref name="nasajsc" /> 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.{{r|shesol2021}}

[[File:Mercury Seven astronauts with aircraft.jpg|thumb|left|The Mercury Seven astronauts posing with a USAF [[F-106]]|alt=The astronauts pose in alphabetical order in front of a delta-winged white jet aircraft. They are holding their flight helmets under their arms. The three Navy aviators wear orange flight suits; the Air Force and Marine ones wear green.]]

For an interview with Charles Donlan, associate director of Project Mercury, Glenn brought the results from the centrifuge to show that he had done well on a test that perhaps no other candidate had taken. Donlan also noticed that Glenn stayed late at night to study schematics of the Mercury spacecraft.{{r|shesol2021}} He was among the 32 of the first 69 candidates that passed the first step of the evaluation and were interested in continuing, sufficient for the astronaut corps NASA wanted.{{sfn|Atkinson|Shafritz|1985|p=40-42}} On February 27 a grueling series of physical and psychological tests began at the [[Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute|Lovelace Clinic]] and the [[Wright-Patterson Air Force Base|Wright Aerospace Medical Laboratory]].{{sfn|Atkinson|Shafritz|1985|pp=43–47}}

Because of his Bureau of Aeronautics job, Glenn was already participating in Project Mercury; while other candidates were at Wright, on March 17 he and most of those who would choose the astronauts visited the McDonnell plant building the spacecraft to inspect its progress and make changes. While Glenn had not scored the highest on all the tests, a member of the selection committee recalled how he had impressed everyone with his "strength of personality and his dedication". On April 6 Donlan called Glenn to offer him a position at Project Mercury,{{r|shesol2021}}<ref name="nasahistory" /> one of seven candidates chosen as astronauts.{{sfn|Burgess|2011|pp=234–237}} Glenn was pleased while Annie was supportive but wary of the danger; during his three years at Patuxent, 12 test pilots had died.{{r|shesol2021}}

[[File:John Glenn Training Couch.jpg|thumb|upright|John Glenn Training Couch at [[Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center]] Virginia USA]]
The identities of the seven were announced at a press conference at [[Cutts–Madison House|Dolley Madison House]] in Washington, D.C., on April 9, 1959:{{sfn|Burgess|2011|pp=274–275}} [[Scott Carpenter]], [[Gordon Cooper]], Glenn, [[Gus Grissom]], [[Wally Schirra]], [[Alan Shepard]], and [[Deke Slayton]].{{sfn|Atkinson|Shafritz|1985|pp=42–47}} In ''The Right Stuff'', [[Tom Wolfe]] wrote that Glenn "came out of it as tops among seven very fair-haired boys. He had the hottest record as a pilot, he was the most quotable, the most photogenic, and the lone Marine."{{sfn|Wolfe|1979|p=121}} The magnitude of the challenge ahead of them was made clear a few weeks later, on the night of May 18, 1959, when the seven astronauts gathered at [[Cape Canaveral]] to watch their first rocket launch, of an [[SM-65D Atlas]], which was similar to the one that was to carry them into orbit. A few minutes after liftoff, it exploded spectacularly, lighting up the night sky. The astronauts were stunned. Shepard turned to Glenn and said: "Well, I'm glad they got that out of the way."{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|pp=274–275}}

Glenn remained an officer in the Marine Corps after his selection,{{sfn|Tilton|2000|p=43}} and was assigned to the NASA Space Task Group at [[Langley Research Center]] in [[Hampton, Virginia]].<ref name="nasajsc">{{cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/glenn-j.pdf |title=Biographical Data : JOHN HERSCHEL GLENN, JR. (COLONEL, USMC, RET.) NASA ASTRONAUT (DECEASED)|publisher=NASA |access-date=February 4, 2021|date=December 2016}}</ref> The task force moved to [[Houston]], Texas, in 1962, and became part of the NASA [[Johnson Space Center|Manned Spacecraft Center]].<ref name="nasajsc" /> A portion of the astronauts' training was in the classroom, where they learned space science. The group also received hands-on training, which included [[scuba diving]] and work in simulators.<ref name="nasahistory" /> Astronauts secured an additional role in the spaceflight program: to provide pilot input in design. The astronauts divided the various tasks between them. Glenn's specialization was cockpit layout design and control functioning for the Mercury and early [[Apollo program]]s.<ref name="nasajsc" /> He pressed the other astronauts to set a moral example, living up to the squeaky-clean image of them that had been portrayed by [[Life (magazine)|''Life'' magazine]], a position that was not popular with the other astronauts.{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|pp=292–295}}

=== ''Friendship 7'' flight ===
{{Main|Mercury-Atlas 6}}
[[File:Friendship 7 (big).jpg|thumb|right|Glenn entering his spacecraft, ''Friendship&nbsp;7'', prior to the launch of Mercury-Atlas 6 on February 20, 1962]]
Glenn was the backup pilot for Shepard and Grissom on the first two crewed Project Mercury flights, the sub-orbital missions [[Mercury-Redstone 3]] and [[Mercury-Redstone 4]].<ref name="nasajsc" /> Glenn was selected for Mercury-Atlas 6, NASA's first crewed orbital flight, with Carpenter as his backup. Putting a man in orbit would achieve one of Project Mercury's most important goals.{{sfn|Swenson|Grimwood|Alexander|1966|p=407}} Shepard and Grissom had named their spacecraft ''Freedom 7'' and ''Liberty Bell 7''. The numeral&nbsp;7 had originally been the production number of Shepard's spacecraft, but had come to represent the Mercury 7. Glenn named his spacecraft, number 13, ''Friendship 7'', and had the name hand-painted on the side like the one on his F-86 had been.{{sfn|Burgess|2015|pp=76–79}} Glenn and Carpenter completed their training for the mission in January 1962, but postponement of the launch allowed them to continue rehearsing. Glenn spent 25 hours and 25 minutes in the spacecraft performing hangar and altitude tests, and 59 hours and 45 minutes in the simulator. He flew 70 simulated missions and reacted to 189 simulated system failures.{{sfn|Swenson|Grimwood|Alexander|1966|p=418}}

After a long series of delays,{{sfn|Burgess|2015|pp=80–86}} ''Friendship 7'' lifted off from [[Cape Canaveral Air Force Station]] on February 20, 1962. During the countdown, there were eleven delays due to equipment malfunctions and improvements and the weather. During Glenn's first orbit, a failure of the automatic-control system was detected. This forced Glenn to operate in manual mode for the second and third orbits, and for re-entry. Later in the flight, telemetry indicated that the [[ablative heat shield|heat shield]] had loosened. If this reading had been accurate, Glenn and his spacecraft would have burned up on re-entry. After a lengthy discussion on how to deal with this problem, ground controllers decided that leaving the retrorocket pack in place might help keep the loose heat shield in place. They relayed these instructions to Glenn, but did not tell him the heat shield was possibly loose; although confused at this order, he complied. The retrorocket pack broke up into large chunks of flaming debris that flew past the window of his capsule during re-entry; Glenn thought this might have been the heat shield. He told an interviewer, "Fortunately it was the rocket pack—or I wouldn't be answering these questions."<ref name="nasaambass" /> After the flight, it was determined that the heat shield was not loose; the sensor was faulty due to an improperly rigged switch.{{sfn|Burgess|2015|p=141}}

[[File:Astronaut John Glenn being Honored - GPN-2000-000607.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Dignitaries on an outdoor stage in front of a building with NASA Manned Spacecraft Center on the side|Glenn being honored by U.S. President [[John F. Kennedy|Kennedy]] at temporary [[Manned Spacecraft Center]] facilities at [[Cape Canaveral, Florida]], three days after his flight]]
''Friendship 7'' safely [[Splashdown|splashed down]] {{convert|800|mi|-1}} southeast of Cape Canaveral after Glenn's 4-hour, 55-minute flight.<ref name="nasahistory" />{{efn|The spacecraft landed {{convert|41|mi}} west and {{convert|19|mi}} north of the target landing site. ''Friendship 7'' was recovered by the {{USS|Noa|DD-841|6}}, which had the spacecraft on the deck 21 minutes after landing; Glenn was in the capsule during the recovery operation.<ref name="nasahistory" />}} He carried a note on the flight which read, "I am a stranger. I come in peace. Take me to your leader and there will be a massive reward for you in eternity" in several languages, in case he landed near southern Pacific Ocean islands.<ref name="nmspacemuseum" /> The original procedure called for Glenn to exit through the top hatch, but he was uncomfortably warm and decided that egress through the side hatch would be faster.<ref name="nasahistory" /><ref name="nmspacemuseum" /> During the flight, he endured up to 7.8 g of acceleration and traveled {{convert|75679|mi}}<!-- statute miles--> at about {{convert|17500|mph}}.<ref name="nasahistory" /> The flight took Glenn to a maximum altitude (apogee) of about {{convert|162|mi}} and a minimum altitude (perigee) of {{convert|100|mi}} .<ref name="nmspacemuseum">{{cite web|url=http://www.nmspacemuseum.org/halloffame/detail.php?id=38|title=John H. Glenn Jr|publisher=New Mexico Museum of Space History|access-date=December 10, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161211000243/http://www.nmspacemuseum.org/halloffame/detail.php?id=38|archive-date=December 11, 2016}}</ref> Unlike the crewed missions of [[Soviet Union]]'s [[Vostok programme]], Glenn remained within the spacecraft during landing.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ad Astra: The past, present, and future of spacecraft |url=https://interestingengineering.com/ad-astra-the-past-present-and-future-of-spacecraft |website=Interesting Engineering |date=April 28, 2022 |access-date=July 23, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title='That was a real fireball': What happened when John Glenn orbited the Earth in 1962 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2016/12/08/that-was-a-real-fireball-what-happened-when-john-glenn-orbited-the-earth-in-1962/ |newspaper=Washington Post |access-date=July 23, 2022}}</ref> The flight made Glenn the first American to [[orbit]] the Earth,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nasa.gov/centers/glenn/about/bios/mercury_mission.html|title=Glenn Orbits the Earth|publisher=NASA|access-date=June 10, 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080420040936/http://www.nasa.gov/centers/glenn/about/bios/mercury_mission.html|archive-date=April 20, 2008|date=February 16, 2012}}</ref> the third American in space, and the fifth human in space.<ref name="nmspacemuseum1">{{cite web|url=http://www.nmspacemuseum.org/halloffame/detail.php?id=38|title=International Space Hall of Fame :: Inductee Profile|publisher=New Mexico Museum of Space History|access-date=April 24, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129203448/http://www.nmspacemuseum.org/halloffame/detail.php?id=38|archive-date=November 29, 2014}}</ref>{{efn|[[Perth]], Western Australia, became known worldwide as the "City of Light"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://museum.wa.gov.au/city-lights |title=City of light – 50 years in Space |publisher=Western Australian Museum |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201033900/http://museum.wa.gov.au/city-lights |archive-date=December 1, 2016 }}</ref> when residents turned on their house, car and streetlights as Glenn passed overhead.<ref>{{cite AV media|year=1970|title=Perth&nbsp;– a city of light|location= Perth, W.A.|publisher= Brian Williams Productions for the Government of WA|type=Video recording}} The social and recreational life of Perth. Begins with a 'mock-up' of the lights of Perth as seen by astronaut John Glenn in February 1962.</ref><ref>{{cite Australian Dictionary of Biography| last=Gregory |first=Jenny |id=AS10234b |title=Sir Henry Rudolph (Harry) Howard |access-date=August 30, 2013|year=2005}}</ref> The city repeated the act when Glenn rode the [[Space Shuttle]] in 1998.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/tv/canwehelp/txt/s2160601.htm|title=Moment in Time&nbsp;– Episode 1|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|date=February 15, 2008|access-date=July 14, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080821085131/http://www.abc.net.au/tv/canwehelp/txt/s2160601.htm|archive-date=August 21, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/the-moment-perth-became-the-city-of-lights-20120217-1te0z.html |title=The moment Perth became the 'City of Lights' |first=Rhianna |last=King |newspaper=WA Today |date=February 12, 2012 |location=Perth, WA |access-date=June 15, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161025073146/http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/the-moment-perth-became-the-city-of-lights-20120217-1te0z.html |archive-date=October 25, 2016 }}</ref>}} The mission, which Glenn called the "best day of his life", renewed U.S. confidence.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CrkUepjKOY | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211030/3CrkUepjKOY| archive-date=October 30, 2021|title= John Glenn Celebrates Orbiting the Earth|publisher=ABC News|date=February 20, 2012|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> His flight occurred while the U.S. and the Soviet Union were embroiled in the [[Cold War]] and competing in the Space Race.<ref name=Atlantic>{{cite magazine|last=Koren|first=Marina|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2016/12/john-glenn-astronaut-obituary/510068/|title=Remembering John Glenn|magazine=The Atlantic|date=December 8, 2016|access-date=March 27, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305062226/https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2016/12/john-glenn-astronaut-obituary/510068/|archive-date=March 5, 2017}}</ref>

[[File:Capsule, Mercury, MA-6.jpg|thumb|''Friendship 7'' is currently displayed at the [[National Air and Space Museum]].]]

As the first American in orbit, Glenn became a national hero, met President [[John F. Kennedy]], and received a [[ticker-tape parade]] in New York reminiscent of those honoring [[Charles Lindbergh]] and other heroes. He became "so valuable to the nation as an iconic figure", according to NASA administrator [[Charles Bolden]], that Kennedy would not "risk putting him back in space again."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cj6EkDzO1aA;t=3m31s | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211030/cj6EkDzO1aA| archive-date=October 30, 2021|title=NASA Remembers American Legend John Glenn|publisher=NASA|date=December 8, 2016|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Glenn's fame and political potential were noted by the Kennedys, and he became a friend of the [[Kennedy family]]. On February 23, 1962, President Kennedy gave him the [[NASA Distinguished Service Medal]] for his ''Friendship 7'' flight.<ref name=CBS /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/image-feature/president-john-f-kennedy-pins-nasa-distinguished-service-medal-on-john-glenn|title=President John F. Kennedy Pins NASA Distinguished Service Medal on John Glenn|publisher=NASA|access-date=July 30, 2018 |date=May 13, 2015}}</ref> Upon receiving the award, Glenn said, "I would like to consider I was a figurehead for this whole big, tremendous effort, and I am very proud of the medal I have on my lapel."<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=Florida Today|location=Cocoa, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|title=Shuttle flight would make senator oldest space traveler|page=10|date=January 16, 1998|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/22347706/florida_today/|last1=Halvorson|first1=Todd |access-date=October 15, 2018}}</ref> Glenn also received his sixth Distinguished Flying Cross for his efforts.<ref name=findingaids /> He was among the first group of astronauts to be awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor. The award was presented to him by President Jimmy Carter in 1978. After his 1962 spaceflight, NASA proposed giving Glenn the [[Medal of Honor]], but Glenn did not think that would be appropriate. Instead, he was awarded the [[Congressional Space Medal of Honor]]. His military and space awards were stolen from his home in 1978, and he remarked that he would keep this medal in a safe.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/22350256/newsjournal/|title=Glenn will put this medal in a safe|last1=Thomas|first1=Richard G.|newspaper=News-Journal|location=Mansfield, Ohio|date=October 1, 1978|page=20|via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>

=== Comments about women in space ===
In 1962, NASA contemplated recruiting women to the astronaut corps via the [[Mercury 13]], but Glenn gave a speech before the [[United States House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology|House Space Committee]] detailing his opposition to sending women into space, in which he said: {{blockquote|I think this gets back to the way our social order is organized, really. It is just a fact. The men go off and fight the wars and fly the airplanes and come back and help design and build and test them. The fact that women are not in this field is a fact of our social order.<ref name="One giant leap">{{cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/series/astronauts/astronauts02.html|title=One giant leap – backward: Part 2|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|location=Toronto, Canada |date=October 12, 2002|first=Stephanie|last=Nolan|access-date=December 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040913124515/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/series/astronauts/astronauts02.html|archive-date=September 13, 2004}}</ref>}}

In May 1965, after he left NASA, Glenn was quoted in the ''[[Miami Herald]]'' as saying NASA "offer a serious chance for space women" as scientist astronauts.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sylvester |first=Roshanna P. |date=2021-07-13 |title=John Glenn's fan mail shows many girls dreamed of the stars – but sexism in the early space program thwarted their ambitions |url=https://theconversation.com/john-glenns-fan-mail-shows-many-girls-dreamed-of-the-stars-but-sexism-in-the-early-space-program-thwarted-their-ambitions-164054 |access-date=2024-10-13 |website=The Conversation}}</ref>

NASA had no official policy prohibiting women, but the requirement that astronauts had to be test pilots or have jet pilot experience effectively excluded them.{{sfn|Atkinson|Shafritz|1985|p=96}} NASA dropped this requirement when it selected scientist astronauts in 1965,{{sfn|Atkinson|Shafritz|1985|pp=77–81}} but did not select any women as astronauts until 1978, when six women were selected, none as pilots.{{sfn|Atkinson|Shafritz|1985|pp=133–134}} In June 1963, the Soviet Union launched a female cosmonaut, [[Valentina Tereshkova]], into orbit. After Tereshkova, no women of any nationality flew in space again until August 1982, when the Soviet Union launched pilot-cosmonaut [[Svetlana Savitskaya]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ctie.monash.edu.au/hargrave/savitskaya.html |title=Svetlana Savitskaya (1948–), Pioneer Cosmonaut |publisher=Monash University |access-date=October 21, 2018}}</ref> During the late 1970s, Glenn reportedly supported [[Space Shuttle]] [[Mission Specialist]] [[Judith Resnik]] in her career.{{sfn|Kevles|2003|p=98}}

== Political campaigning ==
{{Anchor|Life in politics}}

=== 1964 Senate campaign ===
{{Main|1964 United States Senate election in Ohio}}
At 42, Glenn was the oldest member of the astronaut corps and would likely be close to 50 by the time the lunar landings took place. During Glenn's training, NASA psychologists determined that he was the astronaut best suited for public life.{{sfn|Catchpole|2001|p=96}} [[Attorney General of the United States|Attorney General]] [[Robert F. Kennedy]] suggested to Glenn and his wife in December 1962 that he run for the [[1964 United States Senate election in Ohio]], challenging aging incumbent [[Stephen M. Young]] (1889–1984) in the Democratic primary election. As it seemed unlikely that he would be selected for [[Project Apollo]] missions,<ref name="nasahistory" /> he resigned from NASA on January 16, 1964, and announced his [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]] candidacy for the [[U.S. Senate]] from his home state of Ohio the following day,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/5-8/features/nasa-knows/who-is-john-glenn-58.html|title=Who Was John Glenn?|access-date=January 30, 2017|date=December 8, 2016|publisher=NASA|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118050252/https://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/5-8/features/nasa-knows/who-is-john-glenn-58.html|archive-date=January 18, 2017}}</ref> becoming the first astronaut-politician.<ref name=SPTimes1964>Via ''[[The New York Times]]''. [https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ZhYOAAAAIBAJ&sjid=_XwDAAAAIBAJ&dq=astronaut-turned-politician&pg=7073%2C3955709 "From Orbiting The Earth To The Arena of Politics"], ''[[St. Petersburg Times]]'', January 18, 1964. Accessed July 28, 2009.</ref> Glenn was still a Marine and had plenty of unused leave time, so he elected to use it while he waited for his retirement papers to go through.{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|p=403}}

To avoid partisanship, NASA quickly closed Glenn's agency office.{{r|SPTimes1964}} ''The New York Times'' reported that while many Ohioans were skeptical of Glenn's qualifications for the Senate, he could defeat Young in the Democratic primary; whether he could defeat Representative [[Robert Taft Jr.]], the likely Republican candidate, in the general election was much less clear.<ref>Jones, David R. [https://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FB0A16FC3B5C147A93C1AB178AD85F408685F9 "Ohio Voters Split on Race by Glenn; Many Oppose Astronaut's Entry Into Senate Test"], ''[[The New York Times]]'', January 22, 1964. Accessed July 28, 2009.</ref> In late February he was hospitalized for a [[concussion]] sustained in a fall against a bathtub while attempting to fix a mirror in a hotel room;<ref name=fizz>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18249862/detroit_free_press/|title=Rocket man fizzled early as politician|date=January 17, 1998|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|location=Detroit, Michigan|page=3|last1=McDiarmid|first1=Hugh|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=October 15, 2018}}</ref> an inner-ear injury from the accident left him unable to campaign.<ref name="raines19831113">{{cite news|title=John Glenn: The Hero as Candidate|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/11/13/magazine/john-glenn-the-hero-as-candidate.html|newspaper=The New York Times|location=New York|date=November 13, 1983|access-date=May 14, 2011|last=Raines|first=Howell|page=40|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140309123358/http://www.nytimes.com/1983/11/13/magazine/john-glenn-the-hero-as-candidate.html|archive-date=March 9, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Mattson|first=Richard H|title=Doctors Urge He Quit Race|newspaper=The New York Times|location=New York|date=March 31, 1964|page=19}}</ref> Both his wife and Scott Carpenter campaigned on his behalf during February and March, but doctors gave Glenn a recovery time of one year. Glenn did not want to win solely because of his astronaut fame, so he dropped out of the race on March 30.<ref name=jgpadrldk>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=6eorAAAAIBAJ&pg=3738%2C4375580 |newspaper=Kentucky New Era |location=Hopkinsville, Kentucky |title=John Glenn's plans all derailed today |date=February 29, 1964|page=2|access-date=October 15, 2018}}</ref>{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|pp=401–402}}

Glenn was still on leave from the Marine Corps, and he withdrew his papers to retire so he could keep a salary and health benefits.{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|p=403}} Glenn was on the list of potential candidates to be promoted to full colonel, but he notified the [[Commandant of the United States Marine Corps|Commandant of the Marine Corps]] of his intention to retire so another Marine could receive the promotion. President Johnson later decided to promote Glenn to full colonel status without taking someone else's slot. He retired as a [[Colonel (United States)|colonel]] on January 1, 1965. Glenn was approached by [[RC Cola]] to join their public relations department, but Glenn declined it because he wanted to be involved with a business and not just the face of it. The company revised their offer and offered Glenn a vice president of corporate development position, as well as a place on the board of directors.{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|pp=409–411}} The company later expanded Glenn's role, promoting him to president of Royal Crown International.{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|p=318}} A Senate seat was open in 1968, and Glenn was asked about his current political aspirations. He said he had no current plan, and "Let's talk about it one of these days." Glenn also said that a 1970 Senate run was a possibility.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/23666865/dayton_daily_news/|title=Glenn for Senate? Possible, he says|newspaper=Dayton Daily News|location=Dayton, Ohio|date=August 29, 1968|page=4|via=Newspapers.com|agency=Associated Press|access-date=October 15, 2018}}</ref>

In 1973, he and a friend bought a [[Holiday Inn]] near [[Disney World]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.seralagohotel.com/hotel/seralago-history.php|title=The History of our Kissimmee Family Hotel|publisher=Seralago Hotel|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222222151/http://www.seralagohotel.com/hotel/seralago-history.php|archive-date=February 22, 2014|access-date=December 8, 2016}}</ref> The success of Disney World expanded to their business, and the pair built three more hotels.{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|p=319}} One of Glenn's business partners was [[Henri Landwirth]], a [[Holocaust]] survivor who became his best friend.<ref name=NYMag>{{cite magazine |last=Kramer |first=Michael |title=John Glenn: The Right Stuff |magazine=[[New York (magazine)|New York]] |date=January 31, 1983|page=24}}</ref> He remembered learning about Landwirth's background: "Henri doesn't talk about it much. It was years before he spoke about it with me and then only because of an accident. We were down in Florida during the space program. Everyone was wearing short-sleeved Ban-Lon shirts—everyone but Henri. Then one day I saw Henri at the pool and noticed the [[Identification of inmates in German concentration camps#Numbers|number on his arm]]. I told Henri that if it were me I'd wear that number like a medal with a spotlight on it."<ref name=NYMag />

=== 1970 Senate campaign ===
{{Main|1970 United States Senate election in Ohio}}
[[File:Lieutenant Colonel John H. Glenn, Jr., Presents a Gift to President John F. Kennedy.jpg|thumb|Glenn presents President Kennedy with an American flag he carried inside his space suit on ''Friendship 7''.]]
Glenn remained close to the Kennedy family, and campaigned for Robert F. Kennedy during his [[Robert F. Kennedy presidential campaign, 1968|1968 presidential campaign]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18281358/panama_city_newsherald/|title=John Glenn, Kennedy Family Recalled as Close Friends|newspaper=Panama City News-Herald|location=Panama City, Florida |via=Newspapers.com|date=June 25, 1968|last1=Battelle|first1=Phyllis|page=4|access-date=October 15, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18281390/palladiumitem/|title=John Glenn Backs Kennedy at Ohio State Appearance|newspaper=Palladium-Item|location=Richmond, Indiana |date=April 25, 1968|via=Newspapers.com|page=16|access-date=October 15, 2018|agency=United Press International}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18281406/argusleader/|title=John Glenn Backs Kennedy on Visit to Sioux Falls|date=June 4, 1968|newspaper=Argus-Leader|location=Sioux Falls, South Dakota |page=8|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=October 15, 2018}}</ref> In 1968, Glenn was in Kennedy's hotel suite when Kennedy heard he had won California. Glenn was supposed to go with him to celebrate but decided not to as there would be many people there. Kennedy went downstairs to make his victory speech and [[Assassination of Robert F. Kennedy|was assassinated]]. Glenn and Annie went with Kennedy to the hospital, and the next morning took Kennedy's children home to Virginia.{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|pp=322–323}} Glenn was later a pallbearer at the funeral in New York.{{sfn|Kupperberg|2003|p=80}}

In 1970, Young did not seek reelection and the seat was open. Businessman [[Howard Metzenbaum]], Young's former campaign manager, was backed by the [[Ohio Democratic party]] and major labor unions, which provided him a significant funding advantage over Glenn. Glenn's camp persuaded him to be thrifty during the primary so he could save money for the general election. By the end of the primary campaign, Metzenbaum was spending four times as much as Glenn.{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|p=324}} Glenn was defeated in the Democratic primary by Metzenbaum (who received 51 percent of the vote to Glenn's 49 percent). Some prominent Democrats said Glenn was a "hapless political rube", and one newspaper called him "the ultimate square".<ref name=fizz />

Metzenbaum lost the general election to Robert Taft Jr.<ref name=fizz /> Glenn remained active in the political scene following his defeat. Governor [[John J. Gilligan]] appointed Glenn to be the chairman of the Citizens Task Force on Environmental Protection in 1970. The task force was created to survey environmental problems in the state and released a report in 1971 detailing the issues. The meetings and the final report of the task force were major contributors to the formation of Ohio's [[United States Environmental Protection Agency|Environmental Protection Agency]].<ref name="osu">{{cite web|url=https://library.osu.edu/find/collections/ohio-congressional-archives/john-h-glenn-archives/biographical-resources/political-career/|title=Political Career|access-date=January 26, 2017|publisher=Ohio State University|date=May 10, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202105624/https://library.osu.edu/find/collections/ohio-congressional-archives/john-h-glenn-archives/biographical-resources/political-career/|archive-date=February 2, 2017}}</ref>

=== 1974 Senate campaign ===
{{Main|1974 United States Senate election in Ohio}}
In 1973, President Nixon ordered [[United States Attorney General|Attorney General]] [[Elliot Richardson]] to fire [[Watergate]] special prosecutor [[Archibald Cox]]. Richardson refused and resigned in protest, triggering the [[Saturday Night massacre]]. Ohio Senator [[William Saxbe]], elected in 1968, was appointed attorney general. Both Glenn and Metzenbaum sought the vacated seat, which was to be filled by Governor John Gilligan. Gilligan was planning on a presidential or vice-presidential run in the near future, and offered Glenn the [[Lieutenant Governor of Ohio|lieutenant governor]] position, with the thought that Glenn would ascend to governor when Gilligan was elected to a higher position. The Ohio Democratic party backed this solution to avoid what was expected to be a divisive primary battle between Metzenbaum and Glenn. He declined, denouncing their attempts as "bossism" and "blackmail".<ref name=fizz /> Glenn's counteroffer suggested that Gilligan fill the position with someone other than Metzenbaum or Glenn so neither would have an advantage going into the 1974 election. Metzenbaum's campaign agreed to back Gilligan in his governor re-election campaign, and Metzenbaum was subsequently appointed in January 1974 to the vacated seat.<ref name=fizz /> At the end of Saxbe's term, Glenn challenged Metzenbaum in the primary for the Ohio Senate seat.{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|p=328}}

Glenn's campaign changed their strategy after the 1970 election. In 1970, Glenn won most of the counties in Ohio but lost in those with larger populations. The campaign changed its focus, and worked primarily in the large counties.{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|p=328}} In the primary, Metzenbaum contrasted his strong business background with Glenn's military and astronaut credentials and said that his opponent had "never held a payroll". Glenn's reply became known as the "[[American Gold Star Mothers|Gold Star Mothers]]" speech. He told Metzenbaum to go to a veterans' hospital and "look those men with mangled bodies in the eyes and tell them they didn't hold a job. You go with me to any Gold Star mother and you look her in the eye and tell her that her son did not hold a job".<ref>{{cite news|last=Kennedy|first=Eugene|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/10/11/magazine/john-glenn-s-presidential-countdown.html|title=John Glenn's Presidential Countdown|newspaper=The New York Times|location=New York|date=October 11, 1981|access-date=December 8, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220104414/http://www.nytimes.com/1981/10/11/magazine/john-glenn-s-presidential-countdown.html|archive-date=December 20, 2016}}</ref> He defeated Metzenbaum 54 to 46 percent before defeating [[Ralph Perk]] (the Republican [[Mayor of Cleveland|mayor]] of [[Cleveland]]) in the general election, beginning a Senate career which would continue until 1999.{{sfn|Knight|2003|p=114}}

=== 1976 vice presidential consideration ===
[[File:Carter vp buttons.jpg|thumb|Buttons of Carter's options for vice president]]
After [[Jimmy Carter]] became the presumptive Democratic nominee for president in the [[1976 United States presidential election|1976 election]], Glenn was reported to be [[1976 Democratic Party vice presidential candidate selection|in consideration]] to be Carter's running mate because he was a senator in a pivotal state and for his fame and straightforwardness.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18310013/the_akron_beacon_journal/|title=Is John Glenn ready for vice presidency?|newspaper=The Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |page=1|date=July 4, 1976|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=October 15, 2018}}</ref> Some thought he was too much like Carter, partially because they both had military backgrounds, and he did not have enough experience to become president.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18310067/the_akron_beacon_journal/|title=Is John Glenn ready for vice presidency?|newspaper=The Akron Beacon Journal|page=7|date=July 4, 1976|via=Newspapers.com|location=Akron, Ohio|access-date=October 15, 2018}}</ref> [[Barbara Jordan]] was the first keynote speaker at the Democratic National Convention. Her speech electrified the crowd and was filled with applause and standing ovations. Glenn's keynote address immediately followed Jordan's, and he failed to impress the delegates. Walter Cronkite described it as "dull", and other delegates complained that he was hard to hear.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18310164/the_newsmessenger/|title=Ohio delegates cite Glenn's inexperience as critical factor|newspaper=Fremont News-Messenger |location=Fremont, Ohio |page=5|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=October 15, 2018}}</ref> Carter called Glenn to inform him the nomination was going to another candidate and later nominated the veteran politician [[Walter Mondale]]. It was also reported that Carter's wife thought Annie Glenn, who had a stutter, would hurt the campaign.{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|pp=334–335}}<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/10/11/magazine/john-glenn-s-presidential-countdown.html|newspaper=The New York Times |location=New York |title=John Glenn's Presidential Countdown|date=October 11, 1981|access-date=December 8, 2016|last1=Kennedy|first1=Eugene|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220104414/http://www.nytimes.com/1981/10/11/magazine/john-glenn-s-presidential-countdown.html|archive-date=December 20, 2016}}</ref>

=== 1980 Senate campaign ===
{{Main|1980 United States Senate election in Ohio}}
In his first reelection campaign, Glenn ran opposed in the primary for the 1980 Senate election. His opponents, engineer Francis Hunstiger and ex-teacher Frances Waterman, were not well-known and poorly funded.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/23321212/the_times_recorder/|title=Glenn Facing Two Unknowns|newspaper=The Times Recorder|location=Zanesville, Ohio|date=June 1, 1980|page=15|agency=Associated Press|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=October 15, 2018}}</ref> His opponents spent only a few thousand dollars on the campaign, while Glenn spent $700,000.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/23321359/the_tribune/|title=Glenn is Senate Winner|newspaper=The Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|location=Coshocton, Ohio|date=June 4, 1980|page=3|access-date=October 15, 2018}}</ref> Reporters noted that for a race he was likely to win, Glenn was spending a lot of time and money on the campaign. His chief strategist responded to the remarks saying, "It's the way he does things. He takes nothing for granted."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/23322116/the_times_recorder/|title=Glenn Seen as Victor|newspaper=The Times Recorder|location=Zanesville, Ohio|page=1|date=June 4, 1980|via=Newspapers.com|agency=Associated Press|access-date=October 15, 2018}}</ref> Glenn won the primary by a landslide, with 934,230 of the 1.09&nbsp;million votes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sos.state.oh.us/elections/election-results-and-data/1980-1989-official-election-results/democratic-primary-june-3-1980/|title=Democratic Primary: June 3, 1980|publisher=Ohio Secretary of State|access-date=August 31, 2018|archive-date=September 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901044809/https://www.sos.state.oh.us/elections/election-results-and-data/1980-1989-official-election-results/democratic-primary-june-3-1980/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[Jim Betts (politician)|Jim Betts]], who ran unopposed in the Republican primary, challenged Glenn for his seat. Betts publicly stated that Glenn's policies were part of the reason for inflation increases and a lower standard of living.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18843691/newsjournal/|title=Betts assails Glenn|newspaper=News-Journal|location=Mansfield, Ohio|date=April 1, 1980|page=10|last1=Nemeth|first1=Neil|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=October 15, 2018}}</ref> Betts's campaign also attacked Glenn's voting record, saying that he often voted for spending increases. Glenn's campaign's response was that he has been a part of over 3,000 roll calls and "any one of them could be taken out of context".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18844220/newsjournal/|title=Foe claims senator vulnerable|agency=Associated Press|date=September 15, 1980|page=27|newspaper=News-Journal|location=Mansfield, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=October 15, 2018}}</ref> Glenn was projected to win the race easily,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18843967/the_cincinnati_enquirer/|title=Glenn Takes His Campaign on the Road|newspaper=The Cincinnati Enquirer|last1=Wheat|first1=Warren|date=October 10, 1980|page=15|via=Newspapers.com|location=Cincinnati, Ohio|access-date=October 15, 2018}}</ref> and won by the largest margin ever for an Ohio Senator, defeating Betts by over 40 percent.{{sfn|Knight|2003|p=114}}<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/17130836/|title=Sen. Metzenbaum may be a 'marked man'|last1=Wheat|first1=Warren|via=Newspapers.com|newspaper=News Herald|date=November 11, 1980|page=4|access-date=February 3, 2018|location=Port Clinton, Ohio}}</ref>{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|p=343}}

=== 1984 presidential campaign ===
Glenn was unhappy with how divided the country was, and thought labels like conservative and liberal increased the divide. He considered himself a centrist. Glenn thought a more centrist president would help unite the country. Glenn believed his experience as a senator from Ohio was ideal because of the state's diversity.{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|p=344}} Glenn thought that [[Ted Kennedy]] could win the election, but after Kennedy's announcement in late 1982 that he would not seek the presidency, Glenn thought he had a much better chance of winning. He hired a media consultant to help him with his speaking style.{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|p=346}}

Glenn announced his [[1984 Democratic Party presidential primaries|candidacy for president]] on April 21, 1983, in the [[John Glenn High School (New Concord, Ohio)|John Glenn High School]] gymnasium.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18310442/the_montgomery_advertiser/|title=John Glenn announces candidacy for president|newspaper=The Montgomery Advertiser|agency=Associated Press|date=April 22, 1983|page=2|via=Newspapers.com|location=Montgomery, Alabama|access-date=October 15, 2018}}</ref> He started out the campaign out-raising the front-runner, Mondale. He also polled the highest of any Democrat against Reagan.{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|p=348}} During the fall of 1983, ''[[The Right Stuff (film)|The Right Stuff]]'', a film about the Mercury Seven astronauts, was released. Reviewers saw [[Ed Harris]]'s portrayal of Glenn as heroic and his staff began to publicize the film to the press.<ref name=Wired>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/2016/12/john-glenn-became-big-screen-hero-right-stuff/|title=How John Glenn Became a Big-screen Hero in ''The Right Stuff''|magazine=Wired|date=December 8, 2016|access-date=March 7, 2017|last1=Raftery|first1=Brian|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305113923/https://www.wired.com/2016/12/john-glenn-became-big-screen-hero-right-stuff/|archive-date=March 5, 2017}}</ref> One reviewer said that "Harris's depiction helped transform Glenn from a history-book figure into a likable, thoroughly adoration-worthy Hollywood hero," turning him into a big-screen icon.<ref name=Wired /> Others considered the movie to be damaging to Glenn's campaign, serving as only a reminder that Glenn's most significant achievement had occurred decades earlier.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2016/12/john-glenn-cautionary-tale-214510/|title=John Glenn, Hero and Political Cautionary Tale|date=December 8, 2016|last1=Greenfield|first1=Jeff|work=Politico|access-date=March 12, 2018}}</ref> Glenn's autobiography said the film "had a chilling effect on the campaign."{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|p=349}}

William White managed Glenn's campaign until his replacement by Jerry Vento on January 26, 1984.<ref>{{Cite news |date=January 27, 1984 |title=Glenn shakeup |page=12 |work=[[Quad-City Times]] |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/quad-city-times/140870054/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213172725/https://www.newspapers.com/article/quad-city-times/140870054/ |archive-date=February 13, 2024 |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> Glenn's campaign decided to forgo the traditional campaigning in early caucuses and primaries and focus on building campaign offices nationwide. He opened offices in 43 states by January 1984. Glenn's campaign spent a significant amount of money on television advertising in Iowa, and Glenn chose not to attend an Iowan debate on farm issues. He finished fifth in the Iowa caucus and went on to lose New Hampshire. Glenn's campaign continued into [[Super Tuesday]], and he lost there as well. He announced his withdrawal from the race on March 16, 1984.{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|pp=348–350}} After Mondale defeated him for the nomination, Glenn carried $3&nbsp;million in campaign debt for over 20&nbsp;years before receiving a reprieve from the [[Federal Election Commission]].<ref>{{cite news|url-access=subscription|last=Luce|first=Edward|url=https://www.ft.com/content/015fcc08-1df1-11dd-983a-000077b07658|title=Well of donors dries up for Clinton|newspaper=Financial Times|date=May 9, 2008|access-date=August 30, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080705052635/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/015fcc08-1df1-11dd-983a-000077b07658.html|archive-date=July 5, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/10/us/politics/10clinton.html|title=For Clinton, Millions in Debt and Few Options|newspaper=The New York Times|date=June 10, 2008|access-date=April 24, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150225161536/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/10/us/politics/10clinton.html|archive-date=February 25, 2015|last1=Luo|first1=Michael}}</ref>

=== 1986 Senate campaign ===
{{Main|1986 United States Senate election in Ohio}}
Glenn's Senate seat was challenged by [[Thomas Kindness]]. Kindness was unopposed in his primary, while Glenn faced [[Lyndon LaRouche]] supporter Don Scott. LaRouche supporters had been recently elected in Illinois, but the Ohio Democratic Party chairman did not think it was likely they would see the same success in Ohio.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/23487326/lancaster_eaglegazette/|title=Politicians Unconcerned About LaRouche Candidates|newspaper=Lancaster Eagle-Gazette|location=Lancaster, Ohio|date=March 24, 1986|page=16|via=Newspapers.com|agency=Associated Press|access-date=October 15, 2018}}</ref> LaRouche was known for his fringe theories, such as the queen of England being a drug dealer.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/23487411/the_tampa_tribune/|title=LaRouche Backers Fizzle at the Poll|newspaper=The Tampa Tribune|location=Tampa, Florida|date=May 15, 1986|page=17|via=Newspapers.com|last1=Benson|first1=Miles}}</ref> Kindness spoke to his supporters and warned them against LaRouche candidates. He issued a statement telling voters to reject LaRouche candidates in both Republican and Democratic primaries.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/23456635/the_newark_advocate/|title=Gillmor: Ohio 'For Sale' under Celeste|agency=Associated Press|date=April 11, 1986|newspaper=The Newark Advocate|location=Newark, Ohio|page=3|via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Glenn won the primary contest with 88% of the vote.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sos.state.oh.us/elections/election-results-and-data/1980-1989-official-election-results/democratic-primary-may-6-1986/|title=Democratic Primary, May 6 1986|access-date=September 5, 2018|publisher=Ohio Secretary of State|archive-date=September 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180906124706/https://www.sos.state.oh.us/elections/election-results-and-data/1980-1989-official-election-results/democratic-primary-may-6-1986/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

With the primary complete, Glenn began his campaign against Kindness. Glenn believed he and other Democrats were the targets of a negative campaign thought up by the GOP strategists in Washington. Kindness focused on Glenn's campaign debts for his failed presidential run and the fact he stopped payments on it while campaigning for the Senate seat.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18705095/the_cincinnati_enquirer/|title=Here's a rundown on state races in Ohio|last1=White|first1=Keith|last2=Jadrnak|first2=Jackie|date=September 1, 1986|page=26|newspaper=The Cincinnati Enquirer|via=Newspapers.com|location=Cincinnati, Ohio|access-date=October 15, 2018}}</ref> After winning the race with 62% of the vote, Glenn remarked, "We proved that in 1986, they couldn't kill Glenn with Kindness."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18705057/lancaster_eaglegazette/|title=Glenn Wins in Landslide|newspaper=Lancaster Eagle-Gazette|date=November 5, 1986|agency=Associated Press|page=2|location=Lancaster, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=October 15, 2018}}</ref><ref name=stuff />

=== 1992 Senate campaign ===
{{Main|1992 United States Senate election in Ohio}}
In 1992, Republican [[Mike DeWine]] won the Republican primary and challenged Glenn in the Senate election. Glenn ran unopposed in the primary.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/23427614/the_indianapolis_news/|title=Today's primary races in spotlight|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=The Indianapolis News|via=Newspapers.com|page=3|date=June 2, 1992|location=Indianapolis, Indiana|access-date=October 15, 2018}}</ref> DeWine's campaign focused on the need for change and for term limits for senators. This would be Glenn's fourth term as senator.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18834667/the_tribune/|title=DeWine gets easy win to face Glenn|newspaper=The Tribune|location=Coshocton, Ohio|date=June 3, 1992|page=3|agency=Associated Press|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=October 15, 2018}}</ref> DeWine also criticized Glenn's campaign debts, using a bunny dressed as an astronaut beating a drum, with an announcer saying, "He just keeps owing and owing and owing," a play on the [[Energizer Bunny]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18839526/marysville_journaltribune/|title=DeWine won't get chance to make Washington change|newspaper=Marysville Journal-Tribune|location=Marysville, Ohio|page=7|date=November 4, 1992|agency=Associated Press|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=October 15, 2018}}</ref> During a debate, Glenn asked DeWine to stop his negative campaign ads, saying "This has been the most negative campaign." DeWine responded that he would if Glenn would disclose how he spent the money he received from [[Charles Keating]], fallout from Glenn being named one of the [[Keating Five]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/23323541/marysville_journaltribune/|title=Debate Fails to Spark Truce in Glenn-DeWine Campaign|newspaper=Marysville Journal-Tribune|location=Marysville, Ohio|date=October 19, 1992|page=4|agency=Associated Press|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=October 15, 2018}}</ref> Glenn won the Senate seat, with 2.4&nbsp;million votes to DeWine's 2 million votes.<ref name=stuff>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18519444/lancaster_eaglegazette/|title=Voters Say Glenn Has Right Stuff|newspaper=Lancaster-Eagle Gazette|page=3|via=Newspapers.com|agency=Associated Press|date=November 4, 1992|location=Lancaster, Ohio|access-date=October 15, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sos.state.oh.us/elections/election-results-and-data/1990-1999-official-election-results/general-election-november-3-1992/|title=General Election: November 3, 1992|publisher=Ohio Secretary of State|access-date=October 15, 2018|archive-date=May 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200522093017/https://www.sos.state.oh.us/elections/election-results-and-data/1990-1999-official-election-results/general-election-november-3-1992/|url-status=dead}}</ref> It was DeWine's first-ever campaign loss. DeWine later worked on the intelligence committee with Glenn and watched his second launch into space.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrMTCQk2q1w| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211030/HrMTCQk2q1w| archive-date=October 30, 2021|title=Mike DeWine reacts to the passing of John Glenn|publisher=NBC4 WCMH-TV Columbus|date=December 8, 2016|access-date=April 1, 2018}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

== Senate career ==
[[File:President Ronald Reagan shaking hands with John Glenn.jpg|thumb|right|Glenn shaking hands with [[President of the United States|President]] [[Ronald Reagan]] in 1986]]

=== Committee on Governmental Affairs ===
Glenn requested to be assigned to two committees during his first year as senator: the [[United States Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs|Government Operations Committee]] (later known as the Committee on Governmental Affairs), and the [[United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations|Foreign Relations Committee]]. He was immediately assigned to the Government Operations Committee and waited for a seat on the Foreign Relations Committee.{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|p=333}} In 1977, Glenn wanted to chair the Energy, Nuclear Proliferation, and Federal Services Subcommittee of the Governmental Affairs Committee. [[Abraham Ribicoff]], chair of the Governmental Affairs Committee, said he could chair the subcommittee if he also chaired the less popular Federal Services Subcommittee, which was in charge of the [[U.S. Postal Service]]. Previous chairs of the Federal Services Subcommittee had lost elections in part because of negative campaigns associated with the poorly regarded mail service to the chairmen, but Glenn accepted the offer and became the chair of both subcommittees.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18926537/newsjournal/|title=Glenn in Postal Dilemma|last1=Thomas|first1=Richard|newspaper=News-Journal|location=Mansfield, Ohio|date=June 25, 1978|page=46|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=October 15, 2018}}</ref> One of his goals as a new senator was developing environmental policies.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18925967/the_tampa_tribune/|title=Glenn eyes sound energy policies|newspaper=The Tampa Tribune|location=Tampa, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|date=January 13, 1975|page=6|access-date=October 15, 2018|agency=United Press International}}</ref> Glenn introduced bills on energy policy to try to counter the [[1970s energy crisis|energy crisis in the 70s]]. Glenn also introduced legislation promoting nuclear non-proliferation and was the chief author of the [[Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act of 1978]],{{sfn|Nayan|2013|p=80}} the first of six major pieces of legislation that he produced on the subject.<ref name="osu" /><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18338997/the_times/|title=Glenn launches trial balloons from Texarkana|newspaper=The Times|date=December 8, 1982|via=Newspapers.com|page=22|last1=Moore|first1=Robert|location=Shreveport, Louisiana|access-date=October 15, 2018}}</ref>

Glenn chaired the Committee on Governmental Affairs from 1987 to 1995.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18339175/the_cincinnati_enquirer/|title=Senator Glenn rails at new ways|newspaper=The Cincinnati Enquirer|date=March 26, 1995|page=21|via=Newspapers.com|last1=Barton|first1=Paul|location=Cincinnati, Ohio|access-date=October 15, 2018}}</ref> It was in this role that he discovered safety and environmental problems with the nation's nuclear weapons facilities. Glenn was made aware of the problem at the [[Fernald Feed Materials Production Center]] near Cincinnati and soon found that it affected sites across the nation. Glenn requested investigations from the General Accounting Office of Congress and held several hearings on the issue. He also released a report on the potential costs of hazardous waste cleanup at former nuclear weapons manufacturing facilities, known as the Glenn Report.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18916124/the_santa_fe_new_mexican/|title=Lab face costly, complex problems in cleanup of hazardous waste sites|newspaper=The Santa Fe New Mexican|date=August 15, 1988|page=3|via=Newspapers.com|location=Santa Fe, New Mexico|access-date=October 15, 2018}}</ref> He spent the remainder of his Senate career acquiring funding to clean up the [[nuclear waste]] left at the facilities.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18915967/the_akron_beacon_journal/|title=Glenn irate over N-plant cleanup|last1=Hershey|first1=William|newspaper=The Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|date=January 10, 1989|page=3|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=October 15, 2018}}</ref>

Glenn also focused on reducing government waste. He created legislation to mandate CFOs for large governmental agencies.{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|p=353}} Glenn wrote a bill to add the office of the inspector general to federal agencies, to help find waste and fraud. He also created legislation intended to prevent the federal government from imposing regulations on local governments without funding. Glenn founded the Great Lakes Task Force, which helped protect the environment of the [[Great Lakes]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.portman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2016/12/the-john-glenn-i-knew|title=The John Glenn I Knew|date=December 12, 2016|publisher=Senate.gov|last1=Portman|first1=Rob|access-date=October 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170307052207/http://www.portman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2016/12/the-john-glenn-i-knew|archive-date=March 7, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 1995 Glenn became the ranking minority member of the Committee on Governmental Affairs. Glenn disputed the focus on [[1996 United States campaign finance controversy|illegal Chinese donations]] to the Democrats and asserted that Republicans also had egregious fundraising issues. The committee chair, [[Fred Thompson]] of [[Tennessee]], disagreed and continued the investigation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.portfolio.com/views/columns/washington/2007/10/15/Fred-Thompson-Failed-Hearings |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130201/http://www.portfolio.com/views/columns/washington/2007/10/15/Fred-Thompson-Failed-Hearings |archive-date=February 1, 2013 |title=Fred Thompson's Big Flop|website=Portfolio.com|date=October 15, 2007|access-date=August 30, 2013|last1=Cooper|first1=Matthew}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Rosenbaum|first1=David E|date=September 24, 1997|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/09/24/us/campaign-finance-the-hearings-anger-flares-as-focus-shifts-to-campaign-remedies.html|title=Campaign Finance: The Hearings; Anger Flares as Focus Shifts to Campaign Remedies|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=November 6, 2015}}</ref> Thompson and Glenn continued to work together poorly for the duration of the investigation. Thompson would give Glenn only information he was legally required to. Glenn would not authorize a larger budget and tried to expand the scope of the investigation to include members of the GOP.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/23603644/the_greenwood_commonwealth/|title=Thompson's Changing Political Fortunes|date=June 15, 1997|newspaper=The Greenwood Commonwealth|location=Greenwood, Mississippi|page=4|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=October 15, 2018|last1=Means|first1=Marianne}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/23603687/santa_cruz_sentinel/|title=Third Former Clinton Official Spurns Funding Subpoena|newspaper=Santa Cruz Sentinel|location=Santa Cruz, California|page=14|date=February 28, 1997|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=October 15, 2018|last1=Rowley|first1=James|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> The investigation concluded with a Republican-written report, which Thompson described as, "...&nbsp;a lot of things strung together that paint a real ugly picture." The Democrats, led by Glenn, said the report "...&nbsp;does not support the conclusion that the China plan was aimed at, or affected, the 1996 presidential election."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/1998/03/05/campaign.finance/|title=Thompson Committee Wraps Up Its Work|publisher=CNN|date=March 5, 1998|access-date=September 9, 2018}}</ref>

Glenn was the vice chairman of the [[United States Senate Homeland Security Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations|Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations]], a subcommittee of the Committee on Governmental Affairs.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18915354/the_times_recorder/|title=Glenn's for free trade, not NAFTA|last1=Jackson|first1=Patrick|newspaper=The Times Recorder|location=Zanesville, Ohio|date=October 24, 1992|page=19|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=October 15, 2018}}</ref> When the Republican Party regained control of the Senate in 1996, Glenn became the ranking minority member on the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations until he was succeeded by [[Carl Levin]]. During this time, the committee investigated issues such as [[Internet fraud|fraud on the Internet]], [[mortgage fraud]], and [[Day trading|day trading of securities]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hsgac.senate.gov/subcommittees/investigations/media/permanent-subcommittee-on-investigations-historical-background|title=Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations Historical Background|publisher=Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee|access-date=December 8, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220161941/https://www.hsgac.senate.gov/subcommittees/investigations/media/permanent-subcommittee-on-investigations-historical-background|archive-date=December 20, 2016}}</ref>

=== Other committees and activities ===
[[File:John Glenn Senate.jpg|thumb|Glenn in the U.S. Senate]]
Glenn's father spent his retirement money battling cancer and would have lost his house if Glenn had not intervened. His father-in-law also had expensive treatments for Parkinson's disease. These health and financial issues motivated him to request a seat on the [[U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging|Special Committee on Aging]].{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|p=337}}<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.rollcall.com/news/politics/former-senator-astronaut-john-glenn-dies-95|title=Former Senator and Astronaut John Glenn Dies at 95|date=December 8, 2016|publisher=Roll Call|access-date=December 8, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161209150613/http://www.rollcall.com/news/politics/former-senator-astronaut-john-glenn-dies-95|archive-date=December 9, 2016|last1=Hale|first1=Chris}}</ref>

Glenn was considered an expert in matters of science and technology. He was a supporter of continuing the [[Rockwell B-1 Lancer|B-1 bomber]] program, which he considered successful. This conflicted with President Carter's desire to fund the [[Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit|B-2 bomber]] program. Glenn did not fully support development of the B-2 because he had doubts about the feasibility of the [[stealth technology]]. He drafted a proposal to slow down the development of the B-2, which could have potentially saved money, but the measure was rejected.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18916397/the_indianapolis_news/|title=Senate panel votes against slowing Stealth|newspaper=The Indianapolis News|location=Indianapolis, Indiana|date=July 14, 1989|page=29|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=October 15, 2018}}</ref>

Glenn joined the [[United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations|Foreign Relations Committee]] in 1978. He became the chairman of the East Asian and Pacific Affairs Subcommittee, for which he traveled to Japan, Korea, the Republic of China, and the People's Republic of China. Glenn helped to pass the [[Taiwan Relations Act|Taiwan Enabling Act]] of 1979. The same year, Glenn's stance on the [[Strategic Arms Limitation Talks|SALT II treaty]] caused another dispute with President Carter. Given the loss of radar listening posts in Iran, Glenn did not believe that the U.S. had the capability to monitor the Soviet Union accurately enough to verify compliance with the treaty.{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|p=342}} During the launching ceremony for the {{USS|Ohio|SSGN-726|6}}, he spoke about his doubts about verifying treaty compliance. First Lady [[Rosalynn Carter]] also spoke at the event, during which she criticized Glenn for speaking publicly about the issue. The Senate never ratified the treaty, in part because of the [[Soviet–Afghan War|Soviet invasion of Afghanistan]].<ref name="osu" /> Glenn served on the committee until 1985, when he traded it for the [[United States Senate Committee on Armed Services|Armed Services Committee]].{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|p=354}}

[[File:John Glenn at Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony.jpg|thumb|upright|alt=An older John Glenn speaking at a podium, with his glasses perched high above his ears so he can read with them|Glenn delivers remarks during a Congressional Gold Medal ceremony honoring the [[Apollo 11]] astronauts in the Rotunda at the U.S. Capitol in 2011.]]
Glenn became chairman of the [[United States Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel|Manpower Subcommittee]] of the Armed Services Committee in 1987.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18915138/dayton_daily_news/|title=John Glenn Through the Years|newspaper=Dayton Daily News|location=Dayton, Ohio|date=February 15, 1987|page=16|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=October 15, 2018}}</ref> He introduced legislation such as increasing pay and benefits for American troops in the Persian Gulf during the [[Gulf War]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18885477/the_akron_beacon_journal/|title=Glenn seeks to ease burden|last1=Hershey|first1=William|newspaper=The Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|date=January 16, 1991|page=29|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=October 15, 2018}}</ref> He served as chairman until 1993, becoming chairman of the Armed Services Subcommittee on [[United States Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support|Military Readiness and Defense Infrastructure]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18915553/the_tribune/|title=Glenn heads key military panel|agency=Associated Press|date=March 20, 1993|newspaper=The Tribune|location=Coshocton, Ohio|page=3|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=October 15, 2018}}</ref>

=== Keating Five ===
{{Main|Keating Five}}
Glenn was one of the [[Keating Five]]—the U.S.&nbsp;Senators involved with the [[savings and loan crisis]]—after he accepted a $200,000 campaign contribution from [[Lincoln Savings and Loan Association]] head Charles Keating. During the crisis, the senators were accused of delaying the seizure of Keating's S&L, which cost taxpayers an additional $2&nbsp;billion. The combination of perceived political pressure and Keating's monetary contributions to the senators led to an investigation.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18281237/st_louis_postdispatch/|title=Crackdown's delay laid to five|newspaper=St. Louis Post Dispatch|page=8|date=December 6, 1990|via=Newspapers.com|agency=Associated Press|location=St. Louis, Missouri|access-date=October 15, 2018}}</ref>

The Ethics Committee's outside counsel, Robert Bennett, wanted to eliminate Republican senator [[John McCain]] and Glenn from the investigation. The Democrats did not want to exclude McCain, as he was the only Republican being investigated, which means they could not excuse Glenn from the investigation either.{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|p=356}} McCain and Glenn were reprimanded the least of the five, as the Senate commission found that they had exercised "poor judgment".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18280559/keating_five/|title=Cranston only Keating Five member in trouble|newspaper=The Newark Advocate|date=February 28, 1991|page=5|via=Newspapers.com|location=Newark, Ohio|agency=Associated Press|access-date=October 15, 2018}}</ref> The GOP focused on Glenn's "poor judgment" rather than what Glenn saw as complete exoneration. GOP chairman [[Robert T. Bennett|Robert Bennett]] said, "John Glenn misjudged Charles Keating. He also misjudged the tolerance of Ohio's taxpayers, who are left to foot the bill of nearly $2 billion."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18280964/the_newark_advocate/|title=Glenn feels he's vindicated|newspaper=The Newark Advocate|date=February 28, 1991|page=5|via=Newspapers.com|last1=Wynn|first1=Randy|location=Newark, Ohio|access-date=October 15, 2018}}</ref> After the Senate's report, Glenn said, "They so firmly put this thing to bed&nbsp;... there isn't much there to fuss with. I didn't do anything wrong."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18280940/the_marion_star/|title=Glenn looks ahead to bid, back to debt|date=March 1, 1991|newspaper=The Marion Star|page=13|via=Newspapers.com|location=Marion, Ohio|agency=Associated Press|access-date=October 15, 2018}}</ref> In his autobiography, Glenn wrote, "outside of people close to me dying, these hearings were the low point of my life." The case cost him $520,000 in legal fees.{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|p=356}} The association of his name with the scandal made Republicans hopeful that he could be defeated in the 1992 campaign, but Glenn defeated Lieutenant Governor Mike DeWine to retain his seat.<ref name="whatonearth">{{cite news|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E0CE7D81E3EF936A25753C1A964958260|title=In Big Re-election Fight, Glenn Tests Hero Image|newspaper=The New York Times|date=October 15, 1992|access-date=July 21, 2008|first1=Clifford|last1=Krauss}}</ref>

=== Retirement ===
On February 20, 1997, which was the 35th anniversary of his Friendship 7 flight, Glenn announced that his retirement from the Senate would occur at the end of his term in January 1999.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://airandspace.si.edu/stories/editorial/remembering-senator-john-herschel-glenn-jr|title=Remembering Senator John Herschel Glenn Jr|date=December 8, 2016|last1=Neufeld|first1=Michael|publisher=Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum|access-date=August 31, 2018}}</ref> Glenn retired because of his age, noting that he would have been 83 at the end of another term and quipping that "... there is still no cure for the common birthday".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18309614/marysville_journaltribune/|title=No Cure for Common Birthday|newspaper=Marysville Journal-Tribune|date=February 21, 1997|page=14|via=Newspapers.com|location=Marysville, Ohio|agency=Associated Press|access-date=October 15, 2018}}</ref>

== Return to space ==
{{Main|STS-95}}
[[File:John Glenn 1998 Shuttle.jpg|thumb|left|alt=A bespectacled, smiling Glenn in close quarters on the space shuttle Discovery|Glenn on the Space Shuttle ''Discovery'' in 1998]]
[[File:JohnGlenn.jpg|thumb|right|170px|STS-95 portrait]]
[[File:STS095-362-034.tif|thumb|upright|alt=Glenn, wearing his glasses and black coveralls over a white T-shirt, has the inside of his elbow taped by a crew member wearing an orange and blue polo|Glenn getting his blood drawn in space for an experiment]]

After the [[Space Shuttle Challenger disaster|Space Shuttle ''Challenger'' disaster]] in 1986, Glenn criticized putting a "lay person in space for the purpose of gaining public support ... while the shuttle is still in its embryonic stage". He supported flying research scientists.<ref name="pincus19860305">{{Cite news |last=Pincus |first=Walter |date=March 5, 1986 |title=NASA's Push to Put Citizen in Space Overtook Fully 'Operational' Shuttle |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1986/03/05/nasas-push-to-put-citizen-in-space-overtook-fully-operational-shuttle/29fe2714-39b7-40dd-b15e-073441de636e/ |access-date=July 14, 2020 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |issn=0190-8286}}</ref> In 1995, Glenn read ''Space Physiology and Medicine'', a book written by NASA doctors. He realized that many changes that occur to physical attributes during space flight, such as loss of bone and muscle mass and blood plasma,<ref name="Interview" /> are the same as changes that result from aging. Glenn thought NASA should send an older person on a shuttle mission, and that it should be him. Starting in 1995, he began lobbying NASA director Dan Goldin for the mission.{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|pp=358–360}} Goldin said he would consider it if there was a scientific reason, and if Glenn could pass the same physical examination the younger astronauts took. Glenn performed research on the subject and passed the physical examination. On January 16, 1998, NASA Administrator Dan Goldin announced that Glenn would be part of the STS-95 crew;<ref>{{cite news |last1=Holliman |first1=John |author-link=John Holliman |date=January 16, 1998 |title=It's official: Glenn will return to space |url=http://www.cnn.com/TECH/9801/16/glenn.announcment/ |access-date=October 21, 2018 |work=CNN}}</ref> this made him, at age 77, the oldest person to fly in space at that time.{{sfn|Glenn|Taylor|1999|pp=364–366}}

NASA and the National Institute of Aging (NIA) planned to use Glenn as a test subject for research, with [[biometrics]] taken before, during, and after his flight. Some experiments (in [[circadian rhythm]]s, for example) compared him with the younger crew members. In addition to these tests, he was in charge of the flight's photography and videography. Glenn returned to space on the Space Shuttle on October 29, 1998, as a [[payload specialist]] on [[Space Shuttle Discovery|Space Shuttle ''Discovery'']].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/centers/glenn/about/bios/shuttle_mission.html|title=Oct. 29, 1998 – John Glenn Returns to Space|date=March 20, 2008|access-date=October 21, 2018|publisher=NASA}}</ref> Shortly before the flight, researchers disqualified Glenn from one of the flight's two major human experiments (on the effect of [[melatonin]]) for undisclosed medical reasons; he participated in experiments on sleep monitoring and protein use.<ref name="Interview">{{cite web|url=http://brianriley.us/interview_with_john_glenn.html|title=Interview with John Glenn|first=Brian|year=2012|publisher=Brian Riley|access-date=December 9, 2016|last=Riley|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170628033106/http://brianriley.us/interview_with_john_glenn.html|archive-date=June 28, 2017}}</ref><ref name=nytaltman>{{cite news|last=Altman|first=Lawrence K.|title=Glenn Unable to Perform Experiment Planned for Space Flight|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/10/21/us/glenn-unable-to-perform-experiment-planned-for-space-flight.html|access-date=February 15, 2014|newspaper=The New York Times|date=October 21, 1998|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304233554/http://www.nytimes.com/1998/10/21/us/glenn-unable-to-perform-experiment-planned-for-space-flight.html|archive-date=March 4, 2014}}</ref> On November 6, President [[Bill Clinton]] sent a congratulatory email to Glenn aboard the ''Discovery''. This is often cited as the first email sent by a sitting U.S. president, but records exist of emails being sent by President Clinton several years earlier.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Lawrence |first1=Adrienne |title=The Truth About Bill Clinton's Emails |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2015/03/the-myth-about-bill-clintons-emails/387604/ |date=March 12, 2015 |magazine=The Atlantic |access-date=June 24, 2018}}</ref>

His participation in the nine-day mission was criticized by some members of the space community as a favor granted by Clinton; John Pike, director of the [[Federation of American Scientists]]' space-policy project, said: "If he was a normal person, he would acknowledge he's a great American hero and that he should get to fly on the shuttle for free&nbsp;... He's too modest for that, and so he's got to have this medical research reason. It's got nothing to do with medicine".<ref name="CBS">{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=October 8, 1998 |title=John Glenn Stirs Controversy |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/john-glenn-stirs-controversy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220080903/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/john-glenn-stirs-controversy/ |archive-date=December 20, 2016 |access-date=December 7, 2016 |work=CBS News |publisher=CBS |quote=There are people at NASA who have said this is a multi-million dollar joy ride for someone who supports President Clinton, and he's getting a payback.}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/1998/04/28/cq/glenn.html|title=Critics: Glenn Flight A Boost For NASA, Not Science|last=McCutcheon|first=Chuck|date=April 25, 1998|publisher=CNN|access-date=December 7, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305023452/http://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/1998/04/28/cq/glenn.html|archive-date=March 5, 2017}}</ref>

In a 2012 interview, Glenn said he regretted that NASA did not continue its research on aging by sending additional elderly people into space.<ref name="Interview" /> After STS-95 returned safely, its crew received a ticker-tape parade. On October 15, 1998, [[Texas State Highway NASA Road 1|NASA Road 1]] (the main route to the Johnson Space Center) was temporarily renamed John Glenn Parkway for several months.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Weinberg|first1=Eliot|title=Pilgrims come from near, far for Discovery's launch|newspaper=The Palm Beach Post|date=October 30, 1998|page=10|via=Newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/133959012/|location=West Palm Beach, Florida|access-date=December 8, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220111221/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/133959012/|archive-date=December 20, 2016}}</ref> Glenn was awarded the [[NASA Space Flight Medal]] in 1998 for flying on STS-95.<ref name=findingaids>{{cite web|url=https://library.osu.edu/finding-aids/ohio-congressional-archives/A-VBox&Folder-Series3-Certificates.pdf|title=Finding Aids|publisher=Ohio State University|access-date=July 30, 2018}}</ref> In 2001, Glenn opposed sending [[Dennis Tito]], the world's first [[Space tourism|space tourist]], to the [[International Space Station]] because Tito's trip had no scientific purpose.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Stenger |first1=Richard |date=May 3, 2001 |title=John Glenn: Space tourist cheapening Alpha |url=http://archives.cnn.com/2001/TECH/space/05/03/space.day/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081006170526/http://archives.cnn.com/2001/TECH/space/05/03/space.day/index.html |archive-date=October 6, 2008 |access-date=May 6, 2010 |work=CNN}}</ref>

== Personal life ==
[[File:Annie and John Glenn 1965.jpg|thumb|left|upright|alt=Black-and-white photo of the Glenns|Annie and John Glenn in 1965]]
Glenn and Annie had two children—John David and Carolyn Ann—and two grandchildren,{{sfn|Kupperberg|2003|p=31}} and remained married for 73 years until his death.<ref name="dispatchobit" />

A [[Freemasonry|Freemason]], Glenn was a member of Concord Lodge No. 688 in New Concord, Ohio.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://freemasonry.bcy.ca/biography/spacemason/index.html | title = Space Masons  | website = Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon | access-date = October 13, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180627173539/http://freemasonry.bcy.ca/biography/spacemason/index.html | archive-date = June 27, 2018 | url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.stjohnslodgedc.org/famous-masons | title = Famous Freemasons in the course of history  | website = St. John Lodge No 11 F.A.A.M. | access-date = September 30, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151116030150/http://www.stjohnslodgedc.org/famous-masons | archive-date = November 16, 2015 | url-status = live}}</ref> He received all his [[Masonic ritual and symbolism|degrees]] in full in a [[Mason at Sight]] ceremony from the [[Grand Master (Masonic)|Grand Master]] of Ohio in 1978, 14 years after petitioning his lodge. In 1999, Glenn became a 33rd-degree [[Scottish Rite]] Mason in the Valley of Cincinnati ([[Supreme Council, Scottish Rite, Northern Jurisdiction, USA|NMJ]]).<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.matawanlodge.org/famous.htm | title = Celebrating more than 100 years of the Freemasonry: famous Freemasons in the history  | website = Mathawan Lodge No 192 F.A. & A.M., New Jersey | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080510153526/http://www.matawanlodge.org/famous.htm | archive-date = May 10, 2008 | url-status = usurped}}</ref> As an adult, he was honored as part of the DeMolay Legion of Honor by [[DeMolay International]], a Masonic youth organization for boys.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://freemasonsfordummies.blogspot.com/2016/12/illus-brother-john-h-glenn-jr.html|title=Illus. Brother John H. Glenn Jr|author=Christopher Hodapp|publisher=FreemasonsForDummies.com|access-date=December 15, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221042331/http://freemasonsfordummies.blogspot.com/2016/12/illus-brother-john-h-glenn-jr.html|archive-date=December 21, 2016|date=December 10, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.midnightfreemasons.org/2012/02/on-this-day-in-history-astronaut-john_20.html |first=Todd E. |last=Creason |author-link=Todd E. Creason |title=On This Day in History : Astronaut John Glenn Rockets into History |publisher=The Midnight Freemasons |date=December 8, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170304114800/http://www.midnightfreemasons.org/2012/02/on-this-day-in-history-astronaut-john_20.html |archive-date=March 4, 2017 }}</ref>

Glenn was an ordained elder of the [[Presbyterian Church (USA)|Presbyterian Church]].{{sfn|Kupperberg|2003|p=96}} His religious faith began before he became an astronaut and was reinforced after he traveled in space. "To look out at this kind of creation and not believe in God is to me impossible", said Glenn after his second (and final) space voyage.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2016/12/08/in-outer-space-john-glenn-saw-the-face-of-god/|title=In space, John Glenn saw the face of God: "It just strengthens my faith"|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=December 8, 2016|access-date=March 27, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305211002/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2016/12/08/in-outer-space-john-glenn-saw-the-face-of-god/|archive-date=March 5, 2017|last1=Zauzmer|first1=Julie}}</ref> He saw no contradiction between belief in God and the knowledge that evolution is "a fact" and believed evolution should be taught in schools:<ref>{{cite news|title=John Glenn Says Evolution Should Be Taught in Schools |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/05/20/john-glenn-evolution_n_7343168.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310191231/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/05/20/john-glenn-evolution_n_7343168.html |archive-date=March 10, 2016 |newspaper=HuffPost |date=May 20, 2015 |access-date=May 22, 2015 |url-status=dead |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> "I don't see that I'm any less religious that I can appreciate the fact that science just records that we change with evolution and time, and that's a fact. It doesn't mean it's less wondrous and it doesn't mean that there can't be some power greater than any of us that has been behind and is behind whatever is going on."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://religionnews.com/2016/12/08/as-astronaut-senator-and-presbyterian-john-glenn-saw-no-conflict-between-beliefs-in-god-and-science/|title=Astronaut, Senator and Presbyterian John Glenn saw no conflict between beliefs in God and science|agency=Religion News Service|date=December 8, 2016|access-date=March 27, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305015330/http://religionnews.com/2016/12/08/as-astronaut-senator-and-presbyterian-john-glenn-saw-no-conflict-between-beliefs-in-god-and-science/|archive-date=March 5, 2017|last1=Miller|first1=Emily McFarlan}}</ref>
{{anchor|Public appearances and ceremonies}}

== Public appearances ==
[[File:Senator John Glenn at Space Shuttle Discovery Transfer Ceremony.jpg|thumb|right|alt=A bespectacled Glenn speaking at an outdoor podium|Glenn at the ceremony transferring the Space Shuttle ''Discovery'' to the Smithsonian Institution]]
Glenn was an honorary member of the [[International Academy of Astronautics]] and a member of the [[Society of Experimental Test Pilots]], Marine Corps Aviation Association, [[Order of Daedalians]], National Space Club board of trustees, National Space Society board of governors, International Association of Holiday Inns, [[Ohio Democratic Party]], State Democratic Executive Committee, Franklin County (Ohio) Democratic Party and the 10th District (Ohio) Democratic Action Club. In 2001 he guest-starred as himself on the American television sitcom ''[[Frasier]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.osu.edu/news/releases/01-03-05_Senator_Glenn_to_appear_on_%27Frasier%27.html|title=John Glenn appears on Emmy-award winning 'Frasier'|publisher=Ohio State University|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130514203355/http://www.osu.edu/news/releases/01-03-05_Senator_Glenn_to_appear_on_%27Frasier%27.html|date=March 5, 2001|access-date=December 8, 2016|archive-date=May 14, 2013}}</ref>

On September 5, 2009, John and Annie Glenn dotted the "i" in Ohio State University's [[Script Ohio#Script Ohio|Script Ohio]] [[Ohio State University Marching Band|marching band]] performance during the [[Ohio State Buckeyes football|Ohio State]]–[[Navy Midshipmen football|Navy]] football-game halftime show, which is normally reserved for veteran band members.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tbdbitl.osu.edu/marching-band/traditions|title=Traditions|access-date=September 10, 2017|publisher=Ohio State University|date=July 23, 2015}}</ref> To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the ''Friendship 7'' flight on February 20, 2012, he had an unexpected opportunity to speak with the [[Expedition 30|orbiting crew]] of the International Space Station when he was onstage with [[NASA Administrator]] [[Charlie Bolden]] at Ohio State University.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna46455911|title=Armstrong honors Glenn 50 years after his orbit&nbsp;– NASA also surprised Glenn with space station chat|first=Kantele|last=Franko|date=February 20, 2012|publisher=NBC News|access-date=February 21, 2012}}</ref> On April 19, 2012, Glenn participated in the ceremonial transfer of the retired Space Shuttle ''Discovery'' from NASA to the [[Smithsonian Institution]] for permanent display at the [[Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center]]. He used the occasion to criticize the "unfortunate" decision to end the [[Space Shuttle program]], saying that grounding the shuttles delayed research.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.philly.com/philly/news/nation_world/148203975.html |title=Shuttle Discovery lands at Smithsonian |last=Zongker |first=Brett |date=April 20, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120907043006/http://articles.philly.com/2012-04-20/news/31374261_1_shuttle-discovery-lands-shuttle-program-shuttle-flights |archive-date=September 7, 2012 |newspaper=Philadelphia Daily News |access-date=April 21, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

== Illness and death ==
Glenn was in good health for most of his life. He retained a private pilot's license until 2011 when he was 90.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ewing |first1=Kent |title=I Was John Glenn's Flight Instructor |url=https://airfactsjournal.com/2016/12/john-glenns-flight-instructor/ |work=Air Facts Journal |access-date=April 22, 2019 |date=December 12, 2016 |quote=Mr. Glenn's final BPPP was in 2011, when, as usual, I was his CFII. At age 90, he flew extremely well, did not want to take a break and we completed the requirements for his flight review and instrument proficiency in a little over three hours. He then told me he was selling the Baron and hanging up his cleats.}}</ref> In June 2014, Glenn underwent successful [[heart valve replacement]] surgery at the [[Cleveland Clinic]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2014/06/12/us/john-glenn-sucessful-heart-surgery/index.html|title=John Glenn—astronaut, ex-senator—gets successful heart surgery|publisher=CNN |first1=John|last1=Newsome|first2=Joshua|last2=Berlinger|access-date=March 27, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305021149/http://www.cnn.com/2014/06/12/us/john-glenn-sucessful-heart-surgery/index.html|archive-date=March 5, 2017}}</ref> In early December 2016, he was hospitalized at [[the James Cancer Hospital]] of [[Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center]] in Columbus.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/12/07/health/john-glenn-hospitalized/index.html|title=Former Senator, astronaut John Glenn hospitalized|first=Ashley|last=Strickland|publisher=CNN|date=December 7, 2016|access-date=March 27, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305023458/http://www.cnn.com/2016/12/07/health/john-glenn-hospitalized/index.html|archive-date=March 5, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2016/12/john_glenn_in_declining_health.html|title=John Glenn, in declining health, is hospitalized|newspaper=Cleveland Plain Dealer|date=December 7, 2016|access-date=March 27, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161207201008/http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2016/12/john_glenn_in_declining_health.html|archive-date=December 7, 2016|last1=Koff|first1=Stephen}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/politics/2016/12/07/john-glenn-former-senator-astronaut-hospitalized-ohio/95104816|title=Former Senator, astronaut John Glenn in OSU hospital|newspaper=Cincinnati Enquirer |location=Cincinnati, Ohio |date=December 7, 2016|access-date=March 27, 2017|last1=Thompson|first1=Chrissie}}</ref> According to a family source, Glenn had been in declining health, and his condition was grave; his wife and their children and grandchildren were at the hospital.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2016/12/08/1208-john-glenn-hospitalized.html|title=Former astronaut John Glenn hospitalized in Columbus|newspaper=Columbus Dispatch|location=Columbus, Ohio|date=December 8, 2016|access-date=March 27, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305061034/http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2016/12/08/1208-john-glenn-hospitalized.html|archive-date=March 5, 2017}}</ref>

[[File:John Glenn - Celebrating a Life of Service (NHQ201612170021).jpg|thumb|left|alt=Six marines carrying Glenn's casket, which has an American flag draped around it|Glenn's casket carried by Marine Corps pallbearers]]

Glenn died on December 8, 2016, at the OSU Wexner Medical Center; he was 95 years old.<ref name="dispatchobit">{{Cite news|url=http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2016/12/john-glenn/john-glenn.html|title=John Glenn, American hero, aviation icon and former U.S. Senator, dies at 95|newspaper=The Columbus Dispatch|location=Columbus, Ohio |access-date=December 8, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161208204122/http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2016/12/john-glenn/john-glenn.html|archive-date=December 8, 2016}}</ref><ref name="ABC News Death">{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/john-glenn-american-orbit-earth-dies/story?id=44045957|title=John Glenn, First American to Orbit the Earth, Dies|publisher=ABC News |date=December 8, 2016|access-date=December 8, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161208221608/https://abcnews.go.com/US/john-glenn-american-orbit-earth-dies/story?id=44045957|archive-date=December 8, 2016|last1=Potter|first1=Ned}}</ref> No cause of death was disclosed. After his death, his body lay in state at the [[Ohio Statehouse]]. There was a memorial service at Mershon Auditorium at Ohio State University.<ref name="dispatchobit" /> Another memorial service was performed at Kennedy Space Center near the Heroes and Legends building.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/2016/12/09/john-glenn-honored-during-kennedy-space-center-ceremony/95193126/|title=John Glenn honored during Kennedy Space Center ceremony|last1=Neale|first1=Rick|date=December 9, 2016|newspaper=Florida Today|access-date=September 6, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/human-interest/john-glenn-honored-at-kennedy-space-center/|title=John Glenn Honored at Kennedy Space Center, Remembered as 'Prince of Our Universe'|magazine=People|last1=Mizoguchi|first1=Karen|date=December 9, 2016|access-date=September 6, 2018}}</ref> His body was interred at [[Arlington National Cemetery]] on April 6, 2017.<ref>{{cite news |title=John Glenn to be buried at ANC in April |newspaper=The Pentagram |url=http://www.dcmilitary.com/pentagram/community/john-glenn-to-be-buried-at-anc-in-april/article_9fd1ee17-0f5b-5b5f-9036-1ba7d02a4497.html |access-date=March 27, 2017 |location=Arlington, Virginia |first=Jim |last=Dresbach |date=December 22, 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/astronaut-senator-marine-john-glenn-is-buried-in-arlington-cemetery/2017/04/06/398a32dc-1ad9-11e7-9887-1a5314b56a08_story.html|title=Astronaut, Senator, Marine: John Glenn is buried in Arlington Cemetery|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170407003027/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/astronaut-senator-marine-john-glenn-is-buried-in-arlington-cemetery/2017/04/06/398a32dc-1ad9-11e7-9887-1a5314b56a08_story.html |archive-date=April 7, 2017|newspaper=The Washington Post|url-status=live|last1=Ruane|first1=Michael E.|date=April 6, 2017}}</ref> At the time of his death, Glenn was the last surviving member of the Mercury Seven.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/2016/12/08/who-were-mercury-7/95150894/|title=Who were the Mercury 7?|newspaper=Florida Today|date=December 8, 2016|access-date=February 3, 2018}}</ref>

[[File:John_Glenn's_Headstone.jpg|thumb|right|upright|Glenn's headstone at Arlington National Cemetery]]
The ''[[Military Times]]'' reported that William Zwicharowski, a senior mortuary official at [[Dover Air Force Base]], had offered to let visiting inspectors view Glenn's remains, sparking an official investigation.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.militarytimes.com/articles/john-glenn-body-disrespected-air-force-mortuary |title=John Glenn's remains were disrespected at the military's mortuary, Pentagon documents allege |first=Karen |last=Jowers |date=May 25, 2017 |work=Military Times |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170527212543/https://www.militarytimes.com/articles/john-glenn-body-disrespected-air-force-mortuary |archive-date=May 27, 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/26/us/john-glenn-remains-investigation.html |newspaper=The New York Times |title=Air Force Investigating Possible Mishandling of John Glenn's Remains |first=Matt |last=Stevens |date=May 26, 2017 |access-date=May 27, 2017 |quote=Mr. Zwicharowski said the mortuary had been holding Mr. Glenn's body for several months ahead of a planned burial on April 6, Mr. Glenn's wedding anniversary. So Mr. Zwicharowski said he merely offered to show subject-matter experts the techniques that had been used in the embalming process to preserve Mr. Glenn's remains.}}</ref> Zwicharowski has denied the remains were disrespected.<ref>{{cite news |newspaper=The Washington Post |title=John Glenn's body rekindles military mortuary scandal |date=May 26, 2017 |access-date=May 27, 2017 |first=Craig |last=Whitlock |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/john-glenns-body-rekindles-military-mortuary-scandal/2017/05/26/fa1ca10e-4218-11e7-adba-394ee67a7582_story.html |quote=Zwicharowski said he did nothing improper by offering to let the inspectors view Glenn's remains. He said his staff had further embalmed the body because Glenn's funeral was still weeks away and wanted to show the inspectors their techniques. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170527005348/https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/john-glenns-body-rekindles-military-mortuary-scandal/2017/05/26/fa1ca10e-4218-11e7-adba-394ee67a7582_story.html |archive-date=May 27, 2017 }}</ref> At the conclusion of the investigation, officials said the remains were not disrespected as inspectors did not accept Zwicharowski's offer, and that Zwicharowski's actions were improper. No administrative action was taken as he had retired.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2018/07/20/investigators-dover-mortuary-employee-made-inappropriate-offer-to-show-john-glenns-remains/|title=Investigators: Dover mortuary employee made 'inappropriate' offer to show John Glenn's remains|last1=Gowers|first1=Karen|date=July 20, 2018|work=Military Times|access-date=September 6, 2018}}</ref>

President [[Barack Obama]] said that Glenn, "the first American to orbit the Earth, reminded us that with courage and a spirit of discovery there's no limit to the heights we can reach together".<ref>{{cite press release|author-link=White House Office of the Press Secretary|author=Office of the Press Secretary|url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2016/12/08/statement-president-passing-john-glenn|title=Statement by the President on the Passing of John Glenn|date=December 8, 2016|access-date=March 27, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170129051341/https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2016/12/08/statement-president-passing-john-glenn|via=[[NARA|National Archives]]|work=[[whitehouse.gov]]|archive-date=January 29, 2017}}</ref> Tributes were also paid by Vice President [[Joe Biden]], [[President-elect of the United States|President-elect]] [[Donald Trump]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.fox25boston.com/news/trending-now/presidentelect-donald-trump-honors-the-late-john-glenn/474420280|title=President-elect Donald Trump honors the late John Glenn|publisher=Fox25|date=December 8, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161210142346/http://www.fox25boston.com/news/trending-now/presidentelect-donald-trump-honors-the-late-john-glenn/474420280|archive-date=December 10, 2016}}</ref> and former Secretary of State [[Hillary Clinton]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qalw-RJTpAU| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211030/qalw-RJTpAU| archive-date=October 30, 2021|title=Hillary Clinton Marks Passing of John Glenn|date=December 8, 2016|access-date=October 15, 2018|via=YouTube|agency=Associated Press}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

The phrase "Godspeed, John Glenn", which fellow Mercury astronaut Scott Carpenter had used to hail Glenn's launch into space, became a social-media [[hashtag]]: #GodspeedJohnGlenn. Former and current astronauts added tributes; so did NASA Administrator and former shuttle astronaut Charles Bolden, who wrote: "John Glenn's legacy is one of risk and accomplishment, of history created and duty to country carried out under great pressure with the whole world watching."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.space.com/34972-godspeed-john-glenn-tributes.html|title=John Glenn Memorialized with 'Godspeed' Radio Hail Turned Hashtag|website=Space.com|date=December 9, 2016|access-date=March 27, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305002917/http://www.space.com/34972-godspeed-john-glenn-tributes.html|archive-date=March 5, 2017}}</ref> President Obama ordered flags to be flown at [[half-mast|half-staff]] until Glenn's burial.<ref>{{cite web|last=Boyle|first=Alan|url=http://www.geekwire.com/2016/us-flags-half-staff-john-glenn/|title=Obama orders U.S. flags to fly at half staff to mark space hero John Glenn's passing|publisher=Geekwire.com|date=December 9, 2016|access-date=March 27, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220214253/http://www.geekwire.com/2016/us-flags-half-staff-john-glenn/|archive-date=February 20, 2017}}</ref> On April 5, 2017, President Donald Trump issued [[presidential proclamation]] [[s:Proclamation 9588|9588]], titled "Honoring the Memory of John Glenn".<ref>{{cite press release|author-link=White House Office of the Press Secretary|author=Office of the Press Secretary|url=https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2017/04/05/proclamation-president-donald-j-trump-honoring-memory-john-glenn|title=A Proclamation by President Donald J. Trump Honoring the Memory of John Glenn|location=Washington, D.C.|date=April 5, 2017|via=[[NARA|National Archives]]|work=[[whitehouse.gov]]|access-date=April 6, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2017/04/10/2017-07332/honoring-the-memory-of-john-glenn|title=Honoring the Memory of John Glenn|work=[[Federal Register]]|publisher=National Archives and Records Administration|location=Washington, D.C.|date=April 8, 2017|access-date=April 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409111549/https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2017/04/10/2017-07332/honoring-the-memory-of-john-glenn|archive-date=April 9, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Awards and honors ==
Glenn was awarded the [[John J. Montgomery Award]] in 1963.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://history.nasa.gov/AAchronologies/1963.pdf |title=Astronautics and Aeronautics 1963 |publisher=NASA |access-date=March 27, 2017 |page=465 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130304111823/http://history.nasa.gov/AAchronologies/1963.pdf |archive-date=March 4, 2013 }}</ref> Glenn received the [[National Geographic Society]]'s [[Hubbard Medal]] in 1962.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/20071603/standardspeaker/|title=Hubbard Medal for John Glenn|date=April 10, 1962|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=Standard-Speaker|location=Hazleton, Pennsylvania|page=16|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=October 15, 2018}}</ref> Glenn, along with 37 other space race astronauts, received the Ambassador of Space Exploration Award in 2006.<ref name="nasaambass">{{cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/vision/space/features/glenn_ambassador_of_exploration.html|title=NASA Honors a Legendary Astronaut|date=February 21, 2006|publisher=NASA|access-date=December 10, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220085954/https://www.nasa.gov/vision/space/features/glenn_ambassador_of_exploration.html|archive-date=December 20, 2016}}</ref> He was also awarded the General [[Thomas D. White]] National Defense Award<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usafa.edu/superintendent/pa/factsheets/white_award.htm |publisher=United States Air Force Academy |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512142411/http://www.usafa.edu/superintendent/pa/factsheets/white_award.htm |archive-date=May 12, 2013|title=The Thomas D. White National Defense Award}}</ref> and the [[Prince of Asturias Award for International Cooperation]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fpa.es/en/communication/john-glenn-prince-of-asturias-award-for-international-cooperation-has-died.html?idCategoria=14&especifica=0|publisher=The Princess of Asturias Foundation|title=John Glenn, Prince of Asturias Award for International Cooperation, has died|date=December 9, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202234212/http://www.fpa.es/en/communication/john-glenn-prince-of-asturias-award-for-international-cooperation-has-died.html?idCategoria=14&especifica=0|archive-date=February 2, 2017}}</ref> In 1964, Glenn received the Golden Plate Award of the [[Academy of Achievement|American Academy of Achievement]].<ref>{{cite web|title= Golden Plate Awardees of the American Academy of Achievement |website=www.achievement.org|publisher=[[American Academy of Achievement]]|url=https://achievement.org/our-history/golden-plate-awards/#science-exploration}}</ref> In 2004, he received the [[Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service]] from the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars of the Smithsonian Institution<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.wilsoncenter.org/sites/default/files/u52/PS-AwardeesWEB.png|title= Recipients of the Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service|publisher= Wilson Center|access-date= November 18, 2011|archive-date= September 12, 2012|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120912134915/http://www.wilsoncenter.org/sites/default/files/u52/PS-AwardeesWEB.png|url-status= dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/john-glenn-first-astronaut-to-orbit-the-earth-dies-at-95/3628665.html|title=John Glenn, First US Astronaut to Orbit the Earth, Dies at 95|publisher=Voice of America|date=December 8, 2016|access-date=March 27, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170501032710/http://www.voanews.com/a/john-glenn-first-astronaut-to-orbit-the-earth-dies-at-95/3628665.html|archive-date=May 1, 2017}}</ref> and was awarded the [[National Collegiate Athletic Association]]'s [[Theodore Roosevelt Award]] for 2008.<ref>{{cite web |title=John H. Glenn Jr. Receives 2008 Theodore Roosevelt Award, the NCAA's Highest Honor |url=http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/PressArchive/2007/Awards%2band%2bScholarships/John%2bH.%2bGlenn%2bJr.html |website=fs.ncaa.org |publisher=National Collegiate Athletic Association |date=December 3, 2007 |access-date=June 6, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120815052719/http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/PressArchive/2007/Awards%2Band%2BScholarships/John%2BH.%2BGlenn%2BJr.html |archive-date=August 15, 2012 }}</ref>
[[File:Glenn Obama Medal.jpg|thumb|alt=Barack Obama putting on Glenn's Medal of Freedom from behind|Receiving the [[Presidential Medal of Freedom]] from President [[Barack Obama]] in 2012]]
Glenn earned the [[United States Astronaut Badge|Navy's astronaut wings]] and the Marine Corps' Astronaut Medal.<ref name="nasa" /> He was awarded the [[Congressional Gold Medal]] in 2011 and was among the first group of astronauts to be granted the distinction.<ref name=goldmedal>{{cite news|url=https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CREC-2000-06-20/pdf/CREC-2000-06-20-pt1-PgH4714.pdf#page=1|title=Congressional Gold Medal to Astronauts Neil A. Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins|date=June 20, 2000|page=H4714|access-date=October 20, 2018|publisher=[[Congressional Record]]|volume=146}}</ref> In 2012, President Barack Obama presented Glenn with the [[Presidential Medal of Freedom]]. Glenn was the seventh astronaut to receive this distinction. The Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom are considered the two most prestigious awards that can be bestowed on a civilian.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-052912b.html|title=President Obama awards John Glenn with Medal of Freedom, nation's highest honor|publisher=collectSPACE|access-date=July 30, 2018|date=May 29, 2012|last1=Pearlman|first1=Robert Z. |author-link=Robert Pearlman}}</ref> The Society of Experimental Test Pilots awarded Glenn the [[Iven C. Kincheloe]] award in 1963,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/26948748/chicago_tribune/|title=Cooper the Cool jockeys Faith 7—between naps|last1=Wolfe|first1=Tom|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|date=October 25, 1979|page=22|ref=none}}</ref> and he was inducted into the [[International Air & Space Hall of Fame]] in 1968,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sandiegoairandspace.org/hall-of-fame/honoree/john-glenn|title=John Glenn|publisher=San Diego Air & Space Museum|access-date=October 16, 2018}}</ref> [[National Aviation Hall of Fame]] in 1976,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalaviation.org/enshrinees|title=National Aviation Hall of fame: Our Enshrinees|publisher=National Aviation Hall of Fame|access-date=February 10, 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110312033710/http://www.nationalaviation.org/enshrinees/|archive-date=March 12, 2011}}</ref> the [[New Mexico Museum of Space History|International Space Hall of Fame]] in 1977,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28241576/las_cruces_sunnews/|title=Space Hall Honors Pioneers|newspaper=Las Cruces Sun-News|location=Las Cruces, New Mexico|date=October 30, 1977|page=6|via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> and the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in 1990.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://astronautscholarship.org/Astronauts/john-h-glenn-jr|title=John Glenn|publisher=Astronaut Scholarship Foundation|access-date=April 24, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150622090657/http://astronautscholarship.org/Astronauts/john-h-glenn-jr/|archive-date=June 22, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33222502/victoria_advocate/|title=Mercury Astronauts Dedicate Hall of Fame at Florida Site|newspaper=Victoria Advocate|location=Victoria, Texas|date=May 12, 1990|page=38|via=Newspapers.com|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> In 2000, he received the U.S. Senator John Heinz Award for public service by an elected or appointed official, one of the annual [[Jefferson Awards for Public Service|Jefferson Awards]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jeffersonawards.org/pastwinners/national|title=National Winners: U.S. Senator John Heinz Award|publisher=JeffersonAwards.org|access-date=August 30, 2013 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101124043935/http://jeffersonawards.org/pastwinners/national|archive-date=November 24, 2010}}</ref>

[[File:GlennSchool.jpg|thumb|upright|left|alt=A photo of the John Glenn College of Public Affairs, with an American flag hanging inside and a cyclist riding past the stone steps|The [[John Glenn College of Public Affairs]] at the [[Ohio State University]].]]
In 1961, Glenn received an [[Honorary degree|honorary]] [[LL.D]] from Muskingum University, the college he attended before joining the military in World War II.<ref name="NewLondonDay">{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1915&dat=19831004&id=l0RSAAAAIBAJ&pg=3816,773331 |date= October 4, 1983|title= College says Glenn degree was deserved|newspaper=The Day|location=New London, Ohio|access-date=March 27, 2017}}</ref> He also received honorary doctorates from [[Nihon University]] in Tokyo;<ref>{{cite journal|hdl=1811/50593|title=John Glenn receives an honorary doctorate in engineering from Nihon University|journal=John Glenn Archives, the Ohio State University. Copy Print, 10 X 8 Inches |series=John Glenn Archives|publisher=Ohio State University|year=1963|id=Copy Print, 10&nbsp;×&nbsp;8 Inches}}</ref> [[Wagner College]] in Staten Island, New York; [[Ohio Northern University]];<ref>{{cite news |url=https://adaherald.com/Content/News/Local-News/Article/ONU-honors-John-Glenn-for-public-service-at-graduation/2/5/103833 |title=ONU honors John Glenn for public service at graduation |first=Virginia |last=Bandy |newspaper=Ada Herald |date=May 27, 2010 |access-date=October 21, 2018 |archive-date=October 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021111415/https://adaherald.com/Content/News/Local-News/Article/ONU-honors-John-Glenn-for-public-service-at-graduation/2/5/103833 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Williams College]];<ref>{{cite web|url=http://president.williams.edu/honorary-degrees|title=Honorary Degrees &#124; Office of the President|publisher=Williams Office of the President|access-date=April 24, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.iberkshires.com/story/31153/Williams-College-Awards-547-Degrees-at-2009-Commencement.html |title=Williams College Awards 547 Degrees at 2009 Commencement |first=Tammy |last=Daniels |newspaper=iBerkshires |date=June 7, 2009 |access-date=October 21, 2018 }}</ref> and [[Brown University]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.brown.edu/Administration/News_Bureau/1998-99/98-136.html |title=98–136 (1999 Honorary Degrees) |publisher=Brown University |access-date=October 21, 2018 }}</ref> In 1998, he helped found the John Glenn Institute for Public Service and Public Policy at [[Ohio State University]] to encourage public service. The institute merged with OSU's School of Public Policy and Management to become the John Glenn School of Public Affairs. He held an [[Professors in the United States#Adjunct professor|adjunct professorship]] at the school.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://glenn.osu.edu/about/john-glenn/|title=John H. Glenn Jr|publisher=Ohio State University|date=December 7, 2014|access-date=January 13, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305123124/http://glenn.osu.edu/about/john-glenn/|archive-date=March 5, 2016}}</ref> In February 2015, it was announced that it would become the [[John Glenn College of Public Affairs]] in April.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/editorials/2015/02/04/1-welcome-to-john-glenn-college-of-public-affairs.html |title=Welcome to John Glenn College of Public Affairs |newspaper=The Columbus Dispatch |location=Columbus, Ohio |date=February 4, 2015 |access-date=April 24, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402222832/http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/editorials/2015/02/04/1-welcome-to-john-glenn-college-of-public-affairs.html |archive-date=April 2, 2015 }}</ref>

The [[Glenn Research Center]] at Lewis Field in Cleveland is named after him, and the Senator John Glenn Highway runs along a stretch of [[Interstate 480 (Ohio)|I-480]] in Ohio across from the Glenn Research Center.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/centers/glenn/home/index.html|publisher=NASA|title=Glenn Research Center|access-date=January 28, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121173220/https://www.nasa.gov/centers/glenn/home/index.html|archive-date=January 21, 2017|date=February 13, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-052616a-john-glenn-airport-renaming.html|title=Ohio airport renamed for original Mercury astronaut John Glenn|access-date=January 28, 2017|publisher=collectSPACE|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170205012728/http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-052616a-john-glenn-airport-renaming.html|archive-date=February 5, 2017}}</ref> Colonel Glenn Highway (which passes Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and [[Wright State University]] near [[Dayton, Ohio]]), John Glenn High School in his hometown of New Concord, [[Elwood-John H. Glenn High School]] in the hamlet of [[Elwood, New York|Elwood]], [[Huntington, New York|Town of Huntington]], [[Long Island]], New York, and the former Col. John Glenn Elementary in [[Seven Hills, Ohio]], were also named for him.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eastmschools.org/JohnGlennTribute.aspx|title=John Glenn Tribute|publisher=East Muskingum Local Schools|access-date=January 28, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202053410/http://www.eastmschools.org/JohnGlennTribute.aspx|archive-date=February 2, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cleveland.com/seven-hills/index.ssf/2015/06/john_glenn_elementary_school_d.html|newspaper=Cleveland Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |title=John Glenn elementary School demolished, making way for 22 houses (vintage photos)|access-date=January 28, 2017|last1=Zurick|first1=Maura|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161029074719/http://www.cleveland.com/seven-hills/index.ssf/2015/06/john_glenn_elementary_school_d.html|archive-date=October 29, 2016}}</ref> Colonel Glenn Road in [[Little Rock, Arkansas]], was named for him in 1962.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.arkansasonline.com/ColonelGlennRoad/|title=Colonel Glenn Road honors astronaut John Glenn|access-date=May 19, 2018|newspaper=Arkansas Democrat-Gazette|location=Little Rock, Arkansas}}</ref> High schools in [[Westland, Michigan|Westland]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://wwcsd.net/schools/high-schools/john-glenn-high-school/|publisher=Wayne Westland Community Schools|title=John Glenn High School|access-date=January 28, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202072049/https://wwcsd.net/schools/high-schools/john-glenn-high-school/|archive-date=February 2, 2017}}</ref> and [[Bay City, Michigan]];<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.mlive.com/news/bay-city/index.ssf/2011/01/remembering_the_challenger_chr.html|title=Remembering the Challenger: Christa McAuliffe's memory celebrated at Bangor Township school|last1=Howell|first1=Brandon|date=January 28, 2011|access-date=October 14, 2018|publisher=MLive}}</ref> [[Walkerton, Indiana]];<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jgsc.k12.in.us/john-glenn-high-school.html|publisher=John Glenn High School|title=John Glenn High School|access-date=January 28, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161219103827/http://www.jgsc.k12.in.us/john-glenn-high-school.html|archive-date=December 19, 2016}}</ref> and [[Norwalk, California]] bear Glenn's name.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jghs.org/|publisher=John Glenn High School|title=John Glenn High School|access-date=January 28, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202061506/http://www.jghs.org/|archive-date=February 2, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://schools.saisd.org/education/school/school.php?sectionid=20|title=John Glenn Middle School|access-date=January 28, 2017|publisher=Glenn Middle School|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213190008/http://schools.saisd.org/education/school/school.php?sectionid=20|archive-date=February 13, 2017}}</ref> The fireboat [[Fireboat John H. Glenn Jr.|''John H. Glenn Jr.'']], operated by the [[District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department]] and protecting sections of the [[Potomac River|Potomac]] and [[Anacostia River]]s which run through Washington, D.C., was named for him, as was {{USNS|John Glenn|T-MLP-2}}, a [[Expeditionary Transfer Dock|mobile landing platform]] delivered to the U.S. Navy on March 12, 2014.<ref name="Christening">{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|title= USNS John Glenn christened: Navy names ship in honor of the former astronaut and Ohio senator |url= http://www.cleveland.com/nation/index.ssf/2014/02/usns_john_glenn_christened_nav.html |work= [[The Plain Dealer]]|date=February 2, 2014|access-date=October 15, 2018|location=Cleveland, Ohio}}</ref> In June 2016, the Port Columbus International Airport in Columbus, Ohio, was renamed [[John Glenn Columbus International Airport]]. Glenn and his family attended the ceremony, during which he spoke about how visiting the airport as a child had kindled his interest in flying.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/business/2016/06/28/0628-john-glenn-honored-at-airport-renaming-ceremony.html|title=John Glenn honored as Columbus airport is renamed for him|newspaper=The Columbus Dispatch |location=Columbus, Ohio |access-date=March 27, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170422231424/http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/business/2016/06/28/0628-john-glenn-honored-at-airport-renaming-ceremony.html|archive-date=April 22, 2017}}</ref> On September 12, 2016, [[Blue Origin]] announced the [[New Glenn]], a rocket.<ref name="NYT Victor">{{cite news|last1=Victor|first1=Daniel|title=Meet New Glenn, the Blue Origin Rocket That May Someday Take You to Space|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/13/business/meet-new-glenn-the-blue-origin-rocket-that-may-someday-take-you-to-space.html|access-date=September 13, 2016|newspaper=The New York Times |location=New York|date=September 12, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915021815/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/13/business/meet-new-glenn-the-blue-origin-rocket-that-may-someday-take-you-to-space.html|archive-date=September 15, 2016}}</ref> [[Orbital ATK]] named the [[Orbital Sciences Cygnus|Cygnus]] space capsule used in the NASA [[Cygnus CRS OA-7|CRS OA-7]] mission to the international space station "S.S. ''John Glenn''" in his honor. The mission successfully lifted off on April 16, 2017.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.floridatoday.com/story/tech/science/space/2017/04/18/atlasv-rocket-launches-cygnus-iss-oa7-cape-canaveral-air-force-station/100580570/ |title= Atlas V launches SS John Glenn en route to ISS |last1= Dean |first1=James|newspaper= Florida Today |location=Melbourne, Florida |date= April 18, 2017|access-date=October 15, 2018 }}</ref>

Although never a Scout himself, Glenn heavily endorsed the [[Boy Scouts of America|Boy Scouts]]. His son, John David, attained the coveted rank of [[Eagle Scout]] that many of Glenn's aviator peers also achieved.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wendell |first=Bryan |date=December 8, 2016 |title=John Glenn, first American to orbit earth and father of an Eagle Scout, dies |url=https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2016/12/08/john-glenn-first-american-to-orbit-earth-and-father-of-an-eagle-scout-dies-at-95/ |access-date=March 13, 2023 |website=Aaron On Scouting |language=en-US}}</ref>

{| style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;"
| colspan="4"|[[File:En-NavAstro.jpg|200px]]
|-
| colspan="3"|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Distinguished Flying Cross ribbon.svg|width=106}}<span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -83px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:1 golden star.svg|20px]]</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -63px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:1 golden star.svg|20px]]</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -43px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:1 golden star.svg|20px]]</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -23px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:Bronze oakleaf-3d.svg|20px]]</span>
|-
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Air Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}<span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -103px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:Silver oakleaf-3d.svg|20px]]</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -83px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:Silver oakleaf-3d.svg|20px]]</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -63px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:Award-star-silver-3d.png|20px]]</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -43px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:Award-star-gold-3d.svg|20px]]</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -23px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:Award-star-gold-3d.svg|20px]]</span>
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=United States Navy Presidential Unit Citation ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=U.S. Navy Unit Commendation ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|-
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Presidential_Medal_of_Freedom_(ribbon).svg|width=106}}
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=U.S. Congressional Space Medal of Honor ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=NasaDisRib.svg|width=106}}
|-
|{{ribbon devices|number=1|type=oak|ribbon=SpaceFltRib.svg|width=106}}
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=China Service Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|-
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=American Campaign Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{ribbon devices|number=1|type=service-star|ribbon=Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=World War II Victory Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|-
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Army of Occupation ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=National Defense Service Medal ribbon, 2nd award.svg|width=106}}
|{{ribbon devices|number=2|type=service-star|ribbon=Korean_Service_Medal_-_Ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|-
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Presidential Unit Citation (Korea).svg|width=106}}
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=United Nations Service Medal Korea ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Korean War Service Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;"
| colspan="3"|[[Astronaut Badge#U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard astronauts|Naval Aviator Astronaut Insignia]]<ref name="nasa" />
|-
| colspan="3"|[[Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)|Distinguished Flying Cross]]<br /> with three gold [[5/16 inch star|stars]] and one bronze [[oak leaf cluster|cluster]]<ref name="nasa" />
|-
|[[Air Medal]]<br />with one silver and 2 gold [[award star|stars]] and two silver [[oak leaf cluster|clusters]]<ref name="nasa" />
|[[Presidential Unit Citation (United States)|Navy Presidential Unit Citation]]<ref name="marines" />
|[[Navy Unit Commendation]]<ref name="nasa" />
|-
|[[Presidential Medal of Freedom]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.space.com/15908-john-glenn-medal-freedom-award.html|title=President Obama Awards John Glenn with Medal of Freedom|last1=Pearlman|first1=Robert|work=space.com|date=May 29, 2012|access-date=April 10, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170411220638/http://www.space.com/15908-john-glenn-medal-freedom-award.html|archive-date=April 11, 2017}}</ref>
|[[Congressional Space Medal of Honor]]<ref name="nasa" />
|[[NASA Distinguished Service Medal]]<ref name="nasa" />
|-
|[[NASA Space Flight Medal]]<br />with one oak leaf cluster<ref name="nasa" />
|[[Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal]]<ref name="marines" />
|[[China Service Medal]]<ref name="nasa" />
|-
|[[American Campaign Medal]]<ref name="nasa" />
|[[Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal]]<br />with one [[service star|star]]<ref name="marines" />
|[[World War II Victory Medal (United States)|World War II Victory Medal]]<ref name="nasa" />
|-
|[[Navy Occupation Service Medal]]<ref name="marines" /><br />with "ASIA" clasp
|[[National Defense Service Medal]]<br />with one star<ref name="nasa" />
|[[Korean Service Medal]]<br />with two campaign stars<ref name="marines" />
|-
|[[Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation|Presidential Unit Citation (Korea)]]<ref name="nasa" />
|[[United Nations Korea Medal]]<ref name="nasa" />
|[[Korean War Service Medal]]<ref name="nasa" />
|}

== Legacy ==
Glenn's public life and legacy began when he received his first [[ticker-tape parade]] for breaking the transcontinental airspeed record.<ref name=abcpolitics>{{cite web|url=https://abc13.com/politics/former-astronaut-us-sen-john-glenn-has-died/1646318/|title=Former astronaut, US Sen. John Glenn has died|publisher=ABC|date=December 8, 2016|access-date=September 9, 2018}}</ref> As a senator, he used his military background to write legislation to reduce nuclear proliferation. He also focused on reducing government waste.<ref name="nasa" /><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/12/john-glenn-obituary-astronaut-legacy/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161210145351/http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/12/john-glenn-obituary-astronaut-legacy/|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 10, 2016|title=John Glenn, Pioneering Astronaut, Dies at Age 95|last1=Drake|first1=Nadia|author1-link=Nadia Drake|magazine=National Geographic|date=December 8, 2016|access-date=September 23, 2018}}</ref><ref name=abcpolitics /> [[Buzz Aldrin]] wrote that Glenn's ''Friendship 7'' flight "... helped to galvanize the country's will and resolution to surmount significant technical challenges of human spaceflight."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2016/12/15/buzz-aldrin-john-glenn-was-a-hero-we-owe-it-to-him-to-keep-exploring-space/?noredirect=on|title=Buzz Aldrin: John Glenn was a hero. We owe it to him to keep exploring space|newspaper=The Washington Post|last1=Aldrin|first1=Buzz|access-date=September 30, 2018|date=December 15, 2016}}</ref>

President Barack Obama said, "With John's passing, our nation has lost an icon and [[Michelle Obama|Michelle]] and I have lost a friend. John spent his life breaking barriers, from defending our freedom as a decorated Marine Corps fighter pilot in World War II and Korea, to setting a transcontinental speed record, to becoming, at age 77, the oldest human to touch the stars."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/notable-tributes-to-john-glenn|title=Tributes to John Glenn|date=December 8, 2016|access-date=October 5, 2018|publisher=NASA|archive-date=October 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028002415/https://www.nasa.gov/notable-tributes-to-john-glenn/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Obama issued a presidential proclamation on December 9, 2016, ordering the U.S. flag to be flown at half-staff in Glenn's memory.<ref>{{cite web |title=Death of John Glenn |url=https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2016-12-14/pdf/2016-30262.pdf |website=govinfo.gov |publisher=US Federal Government |access-date=January 4, 2021}}</ref> NASA administrator [[Charles Bolden]] said: "Senator Glenn's legacy is one of risk and accomplishment, of history created and duty to country carried out under great pressure with the whole world watching".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.space.com/34969-john-glenn-astronaut-spaceflight-legacy.html|title=RIP, John Glenn: Spaceflight Pioneer 'Was One of Us'|last1=Wall|first1=Mike|work=Space.com|date=December 9, 2016|access-date=September 23, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/50-years-later-john-glenn/|title=50 Years Later, John Glenn's Space Legacy Still Circling Earth|last1=Pearlman|first1=Robert Z. |author-link=Robert Pearlman|via=Scientific American|publisher=collectSPACE|date=February 19, 2012|access-date=September 23, 2018}}</ref>

== References ==
=== Notes ===
{{Notelist}}

=== Citations ===
{{Reflist}}

=== Sources ===
{{Refbegin|30em}}
* {{cite book |last1=Atkinson |first1=Joseph D. |last2=Shafritz |first2=Jay M. |title=The Real Stuff: A History of NASA's Astronaut Recruitment Program |location=New York |publisher=Praeger |series=Praeger special studies |year=1985 |isbn=978-0-03-005187-6 |oclc=12052375}}
* {{cite book |last=Burgess |first=Colin |title=Selecting the Mercury Seven: The Search for America's First Astronauts |location=New York; London |publisher=Springer |year=2011 |series=Springer-Praxis books in space exploration |isbn=978-1-4419-8405-0 |oclc=747105631}}
* {{cite book |last=Burgess |first=Colin |title=Friendship 7: The Epic Orbital Flight of John H. Glenn, Jr |location=New York |publisher=Springer |year=2015 |isbn=978-3-319-15653-8}}
* {{cite book |last1=Carpenter |first1=M. Scott |author-link1=Scott Carpenter |last2=Cooper |first2=L. Gordon Jr. |author-link2=Gordon Cooper |last3=Glenn |first3=John H. Jr. <!-- |author-link3=John Glenn --> |last4=Grissom |first4=Virgil I. |author-link4=Gus Grissom |last5=Schirra |first5=Walter M. Jr. |author-link5=Wally Schirra |last6=Shepard |first6=Alan B. Jr. |author-link6=Alan Shepard |last7=Slayton |first7=Donald K. |author-link7=Donald K. Slayton |title=We Seven: By the Astronauts Themselves |url=https://archive.org/details/wesevencarp00carp |url-access=registration |orig-year=Originally published 1962 |year=2010 |publisher=Simon & Schuster Paperbacks |location=New York |isbn=978-1-4391-8103-4 |oclc=429024791 |lccn=62019074 |ref=CITEREFCarpenter et al.2010 }}
* {{cite book|last=Catchpole|first=John|title=Project Mercury: NASA's First Manned Space Programme|location=London|publisher=Springer|year=2001|isbn=978-1-85233-406-2|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/projectmercuryna0000catc}}
* {{cite book |last1=Glenn |first1=John |last2=Taylor |first2=Nick |title=John Glenn: A Memoir |location=New York |publisher=Bantam Books |year=1999 |isbn=978-0-553-11074-6}}
* {{cite book|last=Kevles|first=Betty Ann Holtzmann|title=Almost Heaven: The Story of Women in Space|publisher=Basic Books|year=2003|location=New York|isbn=978-0-7382-0209-9|url=https://archive.org/details/almostheavenstor00kevl}}
* {{cite book |last=Knight|first=Jonathan|title=Kardiac Kids: The Story of the 1980 Cleveland Brown |publisher=Kent State University |year=2003|isbn=978-0-87338-761-3 |location=Kent, Ohio}}
* {{cite book|last=Kupperberg|first=Paul|title=John Glenn: The First American in Orbit and His Return to Space|location=New York|publisher=The Rosen Publishing Group|year=2003|isbn=978-0-8239-4460-6|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/johnglennfirstam0000kupp}}
* {{cite book|last = Mersky|first = Peter B.|title = U.S. Marine Corps Aviation&nbsp;– 1912 to the Present|publisher = The Nautical and Aviation Publishing Company of America|year = 1983|location = Annapolis, Maryland|isbn = 978-0-933852-39-6}}
* {{cite book|last=Nayan|first=Rajiv|title=The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and India |date=September 13, 2013|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-317-98610-2|location=London}}
* {{cite book |last1=Swenson |first1=Loyd S. Jr. |first2=James M. |last2=Grimwood |first3=Charles C. |last3=Alexander |title=This New Ocean: A History of Project Mercury |url=http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/pao/History/SP-4201/cover.htm |access-date=June 28, 2007 |series=The NASA History Series |year=1966 |publisher=National Aeronautics and Space Administration |location=Washington, D.C. |oclc=569889 |id=NASA SP-4201 |archive-date=June 17, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100617075825/http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/pao/History/SP-4201/cover.htm |url-status=dead }}
* {{cite book|last=Tilton|first=Rafael|title=John Glenn|publisher=Lucent Books|year=2000|location=San Diego|isbn=978-1-56006-689-7|url=https://archive.org/details/johnglenn00tilt}}
* {{cite book |last=Wolfe |first=Tom |author-link=Tom Wolfe |title=The Right Stuff |location=New York |year=1979 |publisher=Farrar, Straus, and Giroux |isbn=978-0-553-27556-8 |oclc=849889526|title-link=The Right Stuff (book) }}
{{Refend}}

== Further reading ==
{{Refbegin}}
* {{cite book
|last=Fenno
|first=Richard F. Jr
|title=The Presidential Odyssey of John Glenn
|publisher=CQ Press
|location=Washington, D.C.
|year=1990
|isbn=978-0-87187-567-9
|url=https://archive.org/details/presidentialodys00fenn
|ref=none
}}
* {{cite book
|last = Shettle
|first = M. L. Jr.
|title = United States Marine Corps Air Stations of World War II
|publisher = Schaertel Publishing
|year = 2001
|location = Bowersville, Georgia
|isbn = 978-0-9643388-2-1
|ref=none
}}
{{Refend}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|John Glenn}}
{{Wikiquote}}
{{Biographical Directory of Congress|G000236|ref=none}}
* {{C-SPAN|2533}}
* {{Cite web|url=https://www.usmcu.edu/content/colonel-john-h-glenn-jr|title=Colonel John H. Glenn Jr., USMC (Retired)|publisher=USMC History Division|access-date=January 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116144540/https://www.usmcu.edu/content/colonel-john-h-glenn-jr|archive-date=January 16, 2017|url-status=dead}}
* [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9D71F7953BF96D95 John Glenn's Flight on ''Friendship 7'', MA-6&nbsp;– complete 5-hour capsule audio recording]
* {{YouTube|YpJFdudBNUw|The 1962 documentary ''The John Glenn Story''}}
* [http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/shuttle/archives/sts-95/ John Glenn's Flight on the Space Shuttle, STS-95] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060831182758/http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/shuttle/archives/sts-95/ |date=August 31, 2006 }}
* {{IMDb name|0322625}}
* {{discogs artist|John Glenn}}
* {{Cite web |url=https://ancexplorer.army.mil/publicwmv/#/arlington-national/search/results/1/CgVnbGVubhIEam9obhoIaGVyc2NoZWw-/ |title=Burial Detail: Glenn, John Herschel (Section 35, Grave 1543)  |work= ANC Explorer|publisher=Arlington National Cemetery |id=(Official website)}}

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| years = [[1974 United States Senate election in Ohio|1974]], [[1980 United States Senate election in Ohio|1980]], [[1986 United States Senate election in Ohio|1986]], [[1992 United States Senate election in Ohio|1992]]
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| alongside = [[Robert Taft Jr.|Robert Taft]], Howard Metzenbaum, [[Mike DeWine]]
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{{Congressional Space Medal of Honor}}
{{United States senators from Ohio}}
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{{NASA Astronaut Group 1|state=autocollapse}}
{{Project Mercury}}
{{U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame}}
{{National Football Foundation Gold Medal Winners}}
{{1984 United States presidential election}}
{{NCAA Theodore Roosevelt Award}}
{{Princess of Asturias Award for International Cooperation}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Glenn, John}}
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