John Glenn

AUDIO: Godspeed, John Glenn. 10, ...
On the morning of February 20th, 1962, John Glenn became an American icon.
LAUNCH CONTROL: 3, 2, 1, zero. GLENN: Roger, the clock is operating. We’re under way.
Glenn became the first American to orbit Earth. He circled the planet three times aboard his tiny capsule, Friendship 7. Then came parades, a reception at the White House, and other honors.
Glenn was born 100 years ago today, in Ohio. He was an outgoing athlete in high school, and earned a pilot’s license while in college. During World War II, he became a fighter pilot. He flew combat missions during that war and in Korea.
Glenn then became a test pilot. And in 1959, he was picked as one of America’s first astronauts — the Mercury Seven. During their introduction at a press conference, Glenn emerged as the favorite.
GLENN: Well, my wife made a remark the other day, I’ve been out of this world for a long time, I might as well go on out there.
After his flight, NASA didn’t want to risk its mos