The first American to orbit the earth has died. John Glenn died at 95 in his home state of Ohio. He was a war hero and also served four terms in the U.S. Senate. Glenn had experienced health problems in recent years, including a stroke two years ago after having heart surgery. As a Marine fighter pilot, he flew 149 combat missions during World War Two and the Korean War. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross six times. Most Americans remember Glenn for going to space in 1962. His space capsule, dubbed Friendship 7 circled the Earth, putting the United States on equal footing with the Soviet Union in the space race.
