Legislation urging Congress to honor John and Annie Glenn with Congressional Gold Medal passes House Committee

Minority Leader Fred Strahorn (D-Dayton) and state Rep. Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood) yesterday announced their legislation that urges Congress to award Annie and John Glenn with a Congressional Gold Medal for their lifetime of public service unanimously passed the House Federalism and Interstate Relations Committee.

“John and Annie Glenn represent what is best about America. They inspired generations with hope, teaching us to reach beyond ourselves for something greater,” said Strahorn. “There is no duo that deserves this honor more than John and Annie Glenn.”

John Glenn graduated from the Naval Aviation Cadet Program and joined the Marine Corps in 1943. During that same year, John married his lifelong friend and high school sweetheart, Annie Castor.

“John and Annie Glenn’s story is one of public service and mutual dedication to helping better their community and country,” said Antonio. “They have been such incredible inspirations to all Ohioans, and its due time that they receive this important recognition.”

John Glenn led 59 missions with the Marine Fighter Squadron 155 during WWII, and led 63 missions with the Marine Fighter Squadron 311 during the Korean War. He was later selected by NASA as one of the Mercury Seven test pilots and became the first American to orbit the Earth in 1962 while flying the Friendship 7. John Glenn later decided to run for public office and was elected to the US Senate in 1974, where he served for 24 years.

Annie Glenn completed her undergraduate career at Muskingum College with a Bachelor of Science after studying music and education. Born with a severe speech disorder, Annie Glenn completed an intensive speech therapy program in 1973 and dedicated her life to helping others with communications disorders.

The bill now moves to the House for a floor vote.