John Glenn, War Hero: Lost Secrets Of ‘Old Magnet Ass’

The world mourned the death of John Glenn at 95 years old, looking back at the amazing life of the first American to ever orbit Earth — in addition to becoming a U.S. Senator and coming close to being President of the United States. But the American hero also modestly downplayed his years as a fighter pilot known as “Old Magnet Ass!”

Glenn joined the other astronauts of Project Mercury as a genuine war hero who flew 149 combat missions in World War II and Korea. His life took a dramatic turn when America joined the war after the Pearl Harbor attack, with the Ohio native originally planning a simple life as a medical doctor. Instead, the aviation fan ended up living his life in the sky as he went to fight with Uncle Sam.

The modest legend rarely spoke of his amazing war record, but he was actually hiding two secrets — since he spent many combat missions alongside a fellow airman who'd also become a hero to kids everywhere. Baseball legend Ted Williams recalled his hours alongside Glenn as his wingman: "Could he fly an airplane — absolutely fearless. The best I ever saw!”

In addition to making a lifelong friend with Williams during the war, Glenn also picked up a nickname that was almost forgotten to history: “Old Magnet Ass,” in honor of how Glenn was always able to safely land his plane under any conditions — including blown landing tires and multiple bullet holes!

Glenn never gave up his love for flying, either. The world cheered as he took on one more NASA mission at the age of 77, becoming the oldest astronaut to go into space. It took a lot for Glenn to finally give up flying, too — only giving up flying his own private plane at the age of 90.