A&E Biography: John Glenn

At the age of seventy-seven, John Glenn made history on October 29, 1998, when he rocketed into space aboard the shuttle Discovery as the world's oldest astronaut. Glenn began his career as a military pilot, serving in World War II and Korea. He worked as a Marine test pilot for several years and first achieved fame when he broke the transcontinental speed record in 1957. In 1962, he become a national hero as the first American to orbit the earth. Glenn also enjoyed a successful business career and served four terms in the U.S. Senate--all the while planning to return to space someday. Author Tom Streissguth tells the story of this remarkable man, who devoted his life to serving his country with courage and determination.