Introduction:
The Lindberg Lecture is an annual event honoring pioneers in aviation, featuring individuals who embody the qualities of Charles Lindberg: skill, determination, imagination, courage, and vision. This year’s program focuses on the Centennial of Marine Aviation, exploring the rich history of Marine aviation over the past century.

Senator John Glenn as the 2012 Lindberg Lecturer:
Senator Glenn is a true legend, exemplifying the museum’s mission of commemorating, educating, and inspiring. His lifetime of achievements spans seven decades, including his historic spaceflight as the first American to orbit the Earth.

Topic of Discussion:
The focus of the evening’s discussion is the Centennial of Marine Aviation, covering the period from 1912 to the present. The discussion aims to cover various aspects of Marine aviation’s history, from its early beginnings to its current state.

Senator Glenn’s Reflections on the Early Days:
Senator Glenn expresses his awe at the rapid advancement of aviation, noting that it all began in 1903. He intends to share his thoughts on the early days of Marine aviation, leading up to World War I. The discussion will include opportunities for questions and comments from the audience.

John Glenn’s Perspective on Aviation History:
Glenn emphasizes the rapid progression of aviation technology from the Wright brothers’ airplane to sophisticated aircraft during World War II. He highlights the significance of Alfred Cunningham becoming the first Marine pilot in 1912 and the skepticism surrounding aviation’s role in the Marine Corps. Glenn discusses the Marine Corps’ unique amphibious capabilities and its involvement in various conflicts before World War II, earning them the nickname “devil dogs.”

Marine Corps Air-Ground Team Concept:
The concept of an air-ground team emerged between World War I and World War II. The Banana Wars in Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Nicaragua provided opportunities for the Marine Corps to develop and refine this concept. Close air support, a crucial aspect of the air-ground team, was first effectively employed during the Banana Wars.

John Glenn’s Aviation Career and the Legacy of Marine Corps Aviation:
Cunningham’s philosophy that aviation’s sole purpose is to assist ground troops is a guiding principle for the Marine Corps. Marine Corps aviation complements other supporting arms to form a ready force. Glenn’s aviation career was influenced by the legacy of Marine Corps aviation and the experiences of World War II and Korea.

Selective Opportunity or Sniveling:
“Sniveler,” a term used in Marine Corps aviation, describes someone who actively seeks opportunities to fly and excel. Jack Daly contrasts “sniveling” with “selective opportunity,” suggesting it is a positive trait in the context of military aviation.

John Glenn’s Entry into Naval Aviation:
Glenn obtained his private pilot’s license through a government-funded program before Pearl Harbor. After the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, Glenn joined the Naval Aviation Cadet Program.

Joining the Military:
John Glenn felt compelled to join the military during World War II and postpone his marriage to Annie. He enrolled in the Naval Aviation Cadet Program, known as the V-5 program, which led him to flight training.

Requesting Commission in the Marine Corps:
During advanced training, Glenn applied for a commission in the Marine Corps due to his desire to become a fighter pilot.

Seeking Twin-Engine Experience:
A rumor circulated that the Marine Corps would acquire P-38s, a highly sought-after fighter aircraft. To gain twin-engine experience, Glenn and Tom Miller trained in the PBY flying boat during advanced training.

Transfer to Cherry Point and F4F Squadron:
Glenn was transferred to Cherry Point, North Carolina, expecting to fly P-38s. However, the Marine Corps had no knowledge of such aircraft. He was assigned to a transport squadron on the West Coast but managed to transfer to an F4F fighter squadron on the other side of the field.

Encounter with the Group Commanding Officer:
Glenn and Miller bypassed channels and approached the skipper of the fighter squadron to request a transfer. The group commanding officer sternly reprimanded them for their actions but eventually approved the transfer.

Final Training and Transition to F-4U Corsair:
Glenn and Miller were assigned to the fighter squadron flying F-4Fs and underwent final training at El Centro, California. They trained in the initial version of the F-4U Corsair, which had aerodynamic issues for carrier landings. The Navy faced difficulties with the F-4U, leading to its inheritance by the Marines for land-based use.

Improved Version of F-4U and Encounter with Charles Lindbergh:
Lindbergh visited El Centro to demonstrate the improved version of the F-4U, designated F4U-1D, with a bubble canopy and corrected aerodynamics. Glenn and Miller bypassed procedures again and met Lindbergh, requesting to fly his airplane. Lindbergh allowed them to fly the improved F-4U and they would later encounter him overseas during the war.

Deployment Overseas:
Glenn’s squadron deployed overseas in a converted banana boat named USS Santa Monica.

Background:
John Glenn served in the Pacific during World War II, transporting troops and supplies on a ship that was converted from a banana boat. The ship had large holds that were converted into living quarters for the soldiers. Glenn spent most of his time on deck during the voyage to Hawaii due to the uncomfortable conditions below deck.

Delay in the Invasion of the Marshall Islands:
The Japanese had heavily fortified the Marshall Islands, intending to use them as bases for further expansion. The Allied forces planned to prevent the Japanese from retaking these islands and using them as new bases. The invasion was delayed, and Glenn and his squadron were sent to Midway for additional training.

Arrival in Majuro:
Glenn’s squadron was the first to arrive in Majuro after it had been captured from the Japanese. The carrier anchored in the lagoon, and the planes were catapulted off at anchor, which was a new experience for Glenn and his squadron mates.

Japanese Concept and Mission Objective:
The Japanese intended to use the Marshall Islands as fortified bases for further military operations. Glenn’s mission was to prevent the Japanese from retaking these islands and using them as new bases. The squadron faced significant anti-aircraft fire during their missions due to the Japanese’s heavy fortifications.

Memories of War:
John Glenn’s mission was to keep enemy forces suppressed, facing heavy anti-aircraft fire during missions. On his first mission, his close friend and wingman, Monty Goodman, was lost, leaving a lasting impact on Glenn. Writing letters to families of fallen soldiers and sending back personal effects became a difficult but necessary duty.

Corsair Squadron’s Tactics:
Glenn’s squadron used the Corsair aircraft, equipped with bombs, rockets, guns, and napalm. They experimented with dive bombing techniques, using the landing gear as speed restrictors for steep dives. Glenn encountered Charles Lindbergh during his time in the Marshall Islands, who visited squadrons to observe the new Corsairs.

Postwar Service at Pax River:
After a year in the Marshall Islands, Glenn returned to the U.S. and was assigned to Pax River as an aircraft exerciser. He and other former combat pilots were tasked with testing new prop airplanes and putting service life on them quickly. Aircraft tested included the F8F Bearcat, an improved Corsair, the F8U, and the F7F with two 2,000 horsepower engines. Glenn’s squadron worked around the clock in eight-hour shifts, flying multiple missions during that period. The war ended while Glenn was at Pax River, and his squadron was disbanded.

Post-War Marine Corps Service:
After completing his assignment at Patuxent, John Glenn was scheduled to train for the invasion of Japan, but the war ended before this could take place. He was then sent to China with a Corsair squadron, where they flew daily patrols to look for broken bridges or road breaks but rarely encountered any action. Glenn’s service in China lasted for over six months before he returned to Guam and eventually back to the United States.

Return to the United States and Family Challenges:
Upon his return, Glenn faced family challenges due to his prolonged absence and his daughter’s birth during his deployment. He took emergency leave to see his daughter and experienced the difficulties of family separations common in military service.

Training Command and Instructor Training:
Glenn joined the training command at Corpus Christi, Texas, where he trained instructors in propeller-driven aircraft. He sought to compare the Marine Corps’ instructor training methods with those of the Air Force and applied for a visit to Williams Air Force Base in Arizona.

Transition to Jets:
At Williams Air Force Base, Glenn received training in jet aircraft, specifically the P-80 Shooting Star, the first jet to be mass-produced for the Air Force. This experience deepened his interest in jet aircraft and influenced his desire to continue flying them.

Amphibious Warfare School and Korea Assignment:
Glenn attended the Amphibious Warfare School at Quantico, Virginia, as part of the Marine Corps’ focus on air-ground cooperation. He served on the school’s staff for a period before being assigned to Korea, where his jet experience made him eligible for a jet assignment.

Additional Jet Training and Preparation for Korea:
Prior to his deployment to Korea, Glenn received training in the F-86 Sabre, a jet fighter aircraft that was used extensively in the Korean War. This additional training prepared him for the combat missions he would undertake during his service in Korea.

Background:
John Glenn had been transferred to Otis Air Force Base and was in charge of F-86 training.

Marine Pilots in Air Force Squadrons:
In Korea, one spot was reserved for a Marine pilot in each Air Force fighter interceptor squadron. F-86s were the top fighter jets, used in air-to-air combat against MiGs in MiG Alley. The F-86 screen prevented MiGs from attacking close support aircraft and ground forces.

Glenn’s Aspiration:
Glenn was scheduled to go to Korea and hoped to join an Air Force squadron for air-to-air combat. The F9F Panther, used by Marines, excelled in close air support but lacked air-to-air capabilities.

Air-to-Air Combat Experience:
Glenn wanted to gain air-to-air combat experience as the ultimate test of a fighter pilot’s skill. He approached Leon Gray, who arranged for Glenn to receive F-86 training before leaving the States.

Leon Gray’s Reaction:
Glenn’s request was met with curiosity and surprise, indicating the significance of his request.

Refined Air-Ground Coordination in Korea:
John Glenn describes the exceptional level of air-ground coordination achieved by the Marine Corps in Korea, surpassing previous standards set during World War II.

Static Front Lines and Specific Target Identification:
In Korea, the front lines had become relatively static, resulting in more frequent attacks and counterattacks. Glenn’s squadron used white phosphorus (WP) grenades or mortar rounds to mark targets for airstrikes, ensuring precise attacks on enemy positions.

Exact Target Placement and Refined Techniques:
The ground forces would provide exact target coordinates, often adjusting the strike location based on the initial impact. This refined targeting method improved the accuracy and effectiveness of airstrikes.

Variety of Aircraft and Close Air Support Missions:
Glenn mentions the F4U Corsair and AD Skyraider aircraft, each with varying bomb-carrying capacities, suitable for different close air support missions. Joint Operations Center (JOC) flights involved standing alert with loaded aircraft, ready to respond to immediate requests for assistance. Combat air patrol (CAP) flights involved fully loaded aircraft patrolling behind the lines, waiting to be called to action.

Importance of Close Support and Forward Air Controllers:
Glenn emphasizes the critical role of close air support in providing crucial assistance to ground forces. Forward air controllers on the ground played a vital role in coordinating air strikes and guiding pilots to the exact targets.

Example of Close Support’s Impact at Chosin Reservoir:
Glenn mentions the significance of close air support in aiding the Marines during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, a decisive factor in their successful withdrawal.

Legacy of Air-Ground Coordination in Korea:
The air-ground team concept, refined during the Korean War, became a fundamental aspect of modern military operations, emphasizing the importance of seamless coordination between air and ground forces.

Aircraft Damage During Combat Missions:
John Glenn sustained multiple hits to his aircraft during both World War II and the Korean War. In World War II, he was hit five times, mostly by single or double bullet holes or rifle fire. During the Korean War, he was hit seven times, with three of those being explosive shells that significantly damaged his aircraft.

Close Call with Anti-Aircraft Fire in Korea:
Glenn recalled an incident in Korea where anti-aircraft fire hit the tail of his F9F Panther aircraft, causing him to lose trim control. Despite the damage, he was able to maintain control and return to base safely.

Flying with Ted Williams as a Wingman:
Glenn flew with baseball legend Ted Williams as his wingman during the Korean War. Williams, a recalled reservist, was a skilled pilot who did not expect or receive special treatment.

Ted Williams’ Narrow Escape from an Aircraft Fire:
During one mission, Williams’ Panther aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire, causing flames to erupt from the engine. With his radio knocked out, Williams was unable to communicate and had to belly-land the aircraft without landing gear or flaps. He successfully slid the aircraft to a stop on the runway, jumped out, and watched as firefighters extinguished the fire.

Ted Williams’ Ejection Seat Experience:
Glenn shared an anecdote from Williams, who described how the ejection seat in the Panther aircraft would propel the pilot straight up and out of the cockpit. Williams recounted an instance where he accidentally triggered the ejection seat during a training exercise and was launched into the air without his helmet or oxygen mask.

John Glenn’s reluctance to eject:
He heard about a Navy pilot whose feet were cut off during ejection, so he preferred to stay with the plane rather than risk injury.

“MiG Mad Marine” nickname:
The Air Force named his plane “MiG Mad Marine” because he was a Marine pilot flying with them. He initially wanted to remove the nickname but later decided to keep it.

Air-to-air combat experience:
Glenn was sent to Korea to gain air-to-air combat experience before the war ended. He progressed from wingman to element leader to flight leader, which were the shooting positions.

Checkout missions and target selection:
During checkout missions, Glenn flew with his squadron CEO. If there were no MiGs in the air, they were instructed to conserve fuel and ammunition by flying low and targeting trucks and other ground vehicles.

John Glenn’s Rescue of John Girato:
John Glenn was on a mission with his skipper, John Jurado, when Jurado’s plane was hit by anti-aircraft fire and he had to eject. Glenn circled the area where Jurado had landed, hoping to rescue him, but the helicopters that were supposed to come never arrived. Glenn eventually had to return to base due to low fuel, but he kept circling the area until the end of the war. When the prisoner swap was announced, Jurado’s name was not on the list, but it was added a few days later. Glenn was assigned to be the marine liaison for the POW release and was there when Jurado was released.

Glenn’s 108-Mile Dead Stick Landing:
Glenn’s plane was damaged during the mission to rescue Jurado, and he had to make a 108-mile glide back to base with no power. This was a dangerous maneuver, and it is now prohibited for pilots to make dead stick landings in swept wing jets.

Glenn’s Time as a Test Pilot:
After the Korean War, Glenn applied for and was accepted to test pilot training. He served as a test pilot for about three and a half years, during which time he tested various high-performance attack and fighter aircraft. Glenn’s work as a test pilot helped to identify and resolve issues with the aircraft’s equipment and armament, ensuring that they were safe and effective for combat use.

FHU Crusader and Project Bullet:
John Glenn flew the supersonic FHU Crusader, a fighter aircraft, at the Naval Air Test Center in Patuxent River, Maryland. He worked on resolving serious deficiencies in the aircraft, improving its performance and suitability for combat.

Sustained High Engine Run and Cross-Country Speed Record:
Glenn proposed a project to conduct a sustained high engine run on the FHU Crusader while simultaneously attempting to break the cross-country speed record from Los Angeles to New York. The plan required three in-flight refuelings, and the Navy and Marine Corps lacked jet tankers capable of reaching high altitudes. Glenn wrote to the Air Force requesting jet tankers but was denied due to operational commitments.

Record-Breaking Flight and Sonic Boom:
Glenn successfully completed the cross-country flight, breaking the speed record despite using the less capable AJ tanker. During the flight, atmospheric conditions allowed a sonic boom to reach the ground, startling his mother and neighbors in New Concord, Ohio.

Astronaut Program Application and Selection Process:
Glenn’s experiences as a test pilot and his achievements, including the speed record, prepared him for the astronaut program. He applied for the program as it was announced and underwent various physical, psychological, and background tests. Selection criteria included physical fitness, height limitations, and tolerance to heat, sound, isolation, and centrifuge conditions.

Pete Conrad’s Psychological Test Incident:
Glenn shared an anecdote about Pete Conrad, a fellow astronaut candidate, during a psychological interview. Conrad responded wittily to a psychologist’s request to describe a blank piece of paper, turning it upside down and pointing out the error. Conrad did not make it into the first group of astronauts but was eventually selected in the second group and later landed on the moon.

Limited Warfare and Immediate Usability:
John Glenn emphasizes the importance of a military force capable of limited warfare operations, with a focus on immediacy and rapid response. He highlights the Marine Corps and its supporting arms as particularly valuable in this context, due to their ability to provide comprehensive support in a timely manner.

The Changing Threat Landscape:
Glenn discusses the shift from government-to-government conflicts to conflicts involving smaller non-government forces. He emphasizes the difficulty in controlling these non-government forces and the threat they pose, as seen in events like 9-11. He points to the ability of groups like Al-Qaeda to relocate and operate across borders, making traditional government-to-government warfare strategies less effective.

New Equipment and Changing Close Support:
Glenn acknowledges the impact of new equipment and technology on warfare, particularly in the area of close support and the air-ground team. He mentions the shift towards greater use of helicopters and vertical envelopment, enabling more efficient movement of personnel. He highlights the Osprey’s capabilities, such as carrying twice as many people twice as far and twice as fast as helicopters, as a significant advancement.

New Technologies and Tactics:
The Osprey and the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter have revolutionized vertical envelopment, allowing for rapid deployment and support of troops on the ground. Modern aircraft equipped with advanced sensors and weapons systems, such as those depicted in the movie Top Gun, enable pilots to engage and destroy enemy aircraft without even seeing them. GPS-guided bombs provide unprecedented accuracy, allowing for precise strikes from miles away.

The Role of Drones:
The Marine Corps is actively involved in the development and deployment of pilotless drones, which are remotely controlled from the ground. Drones offer a safer and more efficient way to conduct surveillance, reconnaissance, and strikes.

The Enduring Need for Ground Forces:
Despite these technological advancements, the need for boots on the ground remains crucial for establishing and maintaining control over an area. A balanced force, combining air power and ground forces, is essential for effective warfare.

Warfare as a Last Resort:
War should be considered a last resort, as it is a brutal and often fatal endeavor. The realities of war, including the task of collecting personal effects and writing letters to families of fallen soldiers, are often overlooked or romanticized.

Early Aviation and the Importance of Winning Wars:
John Glenn emphasizes the significance of winning wars and the continuous development of new equipment, tactics, and air-ground teams to maintain national capabilities. He highlights the 100th anniversary of marine aviation, attributing its contributions to the nation’s ability to achieve victory.

Experiencing Weightlessness in Space:
Glenn describes the distinct sensation of weightlessness in space, highlighting the adjustments the body undergoes, such as fluid shifts and the need for specific techniques to perform simple tasks like drinking water.

Basic Research and Benefits for Earth:
Glenn stresses the importance of basic research conducted in space, particularly during a time when the nation faces challenges in these research areas. He emphasizes the value of the International Space Station and expresses disappointment in the cutbacks to the shuttle program.

Commercialization of Space Travel:
Glenn discusses the shift towards commercial space travel, acknowledging the recent launch of SpaceX and expressing hope for the future of space exploration. He emphasizes the desire to regain control over space travel and restore the United States as the world’s leading space-faring nation.

Flying Modern Jet Fighters:
Glenn recounts his experiences flying modern jet fighters, specifically mentioning the F-18, which he flew while serving in the Senate. He describes the opportunity to fly off a carrier and the excitement of carrier qualifications, expressing gratitude for the Navy’s willingness to accommodate his flights.

Choosing the Marines Over Air Force:
Glenn reflects on his decision to join the Marines, stating that in retrospect, he realized his interest in becoming a pilot began around the age of eight. He explains that the Air Force did not exist at the time of his decision, and he was drawn to the Marines’ reputation for excellence and the opportunity to fly fighters.

Background and Early Interest in Aviation:
John Glenn’s father, a World War I veteran, sparked his interest in aviation by sharing stories and taking him to air races. During one memorable experience, Glenn and his father went up in an open-cockpit Waco plane, fostering Glenn’s dream of flying. Glenn’s passion for aviation grew as he made and flew balsa wood airplanes, developing his skills and knowledge.

Enlisting in the Navy:
While in college, Glenn discovered a government program that offered private pilot’s licenses at no cost. He eagerly seized this opportunity and began flying lessons in a Taylor craft, eventually soloing in 1941. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Glenn initially enlisted in the Army Air Force but faced lengthy delays in receiving orders. Impatient to contribute to the war effort, he switched to the Naval Aviation Cadet Program and successfully enlisted in the Navy.

The Long Wait and AWOL Status:
Glenn and a fellow aspirant visited the Army Air Force office to inquire about their orders but encountered prolonged waiting periods. Discouraged by the lack of progress, they approached the Navy, which offered immediate enrollment. Glenn joined the Navy and never received orders from the Army, leaving him potentially listed as AWOL in Army records.