John Glenn, born in a small Ohio town in 1921, drew from his parents the rock-ribbed traditional values by which he has lived ever since: the importance of family, community, and patriotism. A Depression childhood taught him hard work, determination, and teamwork, and he brought these qualities to his life as a decorated Marine fighter pilot, a test pilot, an astronaut who piloted the first manned orbital mission of the United States, a 24-year career as a U.S. senator, and in 1998 -- at the age of 77 -- his return to space in his remarkable Discovery mission. Married for 57 years to his childhood sweetheart Annie, his devotion to his wife and two children comes through movingly in these pages. As the reviews have noted, the life Glenn tells us about portrays a man whose courage, integrity, toughmindedness, and dedication are the hallmarks of true heroism. |