CARTER MOURNS AS EX-ASTRONAUT, SENATOR JOHN GLENN DIES AT 95

WASHINGTON – Defense Secretary Ash Carter today mourned the death of former Marine Corps fighter pilot, astronaut and U.S. senator John Glenn.

He praised his dedication, courage and service to the nation. Glenn died yesterday at age 95 in Columbus, Ohio.
On February 20, 1962, Glenn became the first U.S. astronaut to enter space and orbit the globe.

Glenn orbited Earth three times in his Friendship 7 capsule.

“In service to his country as a Marine, in space, and in the Senate, and throughout his life, Senator John Glenn embodied ‘the right stuff.’ Our military in particular benefited from his dedication and courage, first as a combat pilot in World War II and Korea, and later as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

“But just as important as what John Glenn accomplished is how he accomplished it: with a combination of fierce determination and profound humility, and always with integrity. I am deeply saddened by his loss, and I join all Americans inspired by his heroic example in expressing my condolences to his wife, Annie, and the Glenn family., ” Carter said.