Word has reached me of the passing of Senator John Glenn. Marine fighter pilot with 59 combat missions in the south pacific in WW2 and 63 in F-9 Panthers over Korea, with a further 27 in F-86 Sabres. In combination, between his wartime service and his years as an astronaut, Glenn was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross Six times. Perhaps one dark spot on his illustrious career was his refusal to support the concept of women astronauts, until much later in life, when he is said to have mentored the career of mission specialist Judy Resnik. Glenn would himself return to space in 1998, when he flew on STS 95 as a payload specialist, becoming the oldest man in space at age 77.
A mostly brilliant and mostly honorable career by a man who never stopped to ask the cost, he just stepped forward with his hand up, the words "I'll go" on his lips.
We thank you,
John Herschel Glenn Jr., for a lifetime of service and dedication to duty, and a spirit of American exceptionalism. Farewell, my fellow Ohioan.
My most sincere condolences to his family and friends.
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