This John Glenn commemorative medal was struck by the Osborne Company. On February 20, 1962, John Glenn became the first American to orbit the earth. In his Friendship 7 capsule he orbited the earth three times in a flight that lasted a little less than five hours. It was the third human spaceflight of the Project Mercury program, and the one that established American parity with the Soviet achievement of human orbital flights.

Space medal collector Thomas Becker donated this medal to the National Collection in 1972.

Display Status

This object is on display in James S. McDonnell Space Hangar at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

James S. McDonnell Space Hangar

Object Details

Country of Origin

United States of America

Type

MEMORABILIA-Events

Manufacturer

Osborne Company

Dimensions

3-D: 3.8cm (1 1/2 in.)

Materials

Silver

Inventory Number

A19731516000

Credit Line

Gift of Thomas Becker

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

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