...for as long as it takes
Sent in by Veterans News and Information Services HEADQUARTERS, U.S. MARINE CORPS,WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec 7) Cohen lauded Glenn as a true American hero, citing his
honor, courage, dedication, and integrity as a Marine
fighter pilot in World War II and Korea, where he flew 149
combat missions, receiving six Distinguished Flying
Crosses and 18 Air Medals.
Glenn became a hero for all ages in 1962 when he
blasted off into space to become the first American to
orbit the earth, Cohen said. Cohen, a former Senate colleague, said Glenn's concern
for the men and women in uniform has been unwavering.
"It's a little difficult to be the focal point of such an honor,"
Glenn said. He warned Americans against becoming
cynical, complacent, and tuning out. He warned
Americans not lose their can-do spirit and praised
members of the military as engaging in the highest form of
service.
With her husband by her side, Annie Glenn was also
recognized, praised for her outstanding public service on
behalf of children and disabled persons, especially those
with communication disabilities.
During the ceremony, Glenn reviewed honor guards from
each service, listened to a performance by the
"President's Own," United States Marine Band and the
"Commandant's Own" United States Marine Drum and
Bugle Corps.
Glenn is scheduled to be honored by the Marine Corps in
a separate ceremony at the Marine War Memorial Dec.
10.
McKinley Wooden, the last known surviving member of Harry S. Truman's World War I Army unit, has died at 103. Wooden, who the future president credited with the success of their artillery battery, died Sunday, Dec. 6, at a retirement community. In a Veterans Day ceremony last month in Kansas City, a French diplomat presented Wooden with
the French Legion of Honor medal for his wartime service on French soil. Truman, a captain who commanded Battery D of the 129th Field Artillery Regiment, promoted Wooden to chief mechanic of the unit and praised Wooden in letters home to his wife, Bess.
Before their return to Earth, the three astronauts would orbit the moon ten times, paving the way for the first Earthling to walk on the lunar surface some seven months down the road. People all around the globe were able to see (via direct TV transmission) the most important parts of the Apollo 8 mission. This night proved to be one of the most emotional moments of the space flight. It was Christmas Eve, and Lovell, Anders and Borman, 250,000 miles from home, were reading verses from their bible and transmitting a message to all mankind calling for “peace on earth.”
December 25, 1984 - The first man-made comet was visible in the sky. The sphere of chemicals from a West German satellite appeared to
be yellowish-green and in the constellation Virgo. Many thought it was Santa taking the quick way back to the North Pole.
By Staff Sgt. Rodney Gauthier
Marine aviator and astronaut, Senator John Glenn, was saluted by the
Armed Forces Dec. 4 at Fort Myer, Va. With the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Henry
H. Shelton, by his side, Secretary of Defense William S.
Cohen presented the Department of Defense Medal for
Distinguished Public Service to Glenn who, in October,
became the oldest person to travel in space.
