Marine recruiting is based on two things: number one—do you want to serve your country? And number two—do you think you’re good enough to join the best outfit?

—John Glenn

Commissioned: 1943
Years of Service: 22
Education: Muskingum College
Current Title: Retired U.S. Senator, Ohio; Faculty, John Glenn School of Public Affairs

Senator, astronaut, Marine—John Glenn’s many achievements have distinguished him as a great American leader. He became a Marine following the attack on Pearl Harbor, and proved himself a highly skilled combat pilot in WWII and Korea.

His flying record made him an ideal candidate for NASA’s first space mission. In 1962 Glenn became the first American to orbit Earth.

After retiring from the Marine Corps, Glenn ran for public office and served as an Ohio senator for 24 years. In 1998 he returned to NASA for a second mission and became the oldest person on a space mission. Most recently, he helped establish the John Glenn School of Public Affairs at Ohio State University.