First Born and Last to Die

John Glenn (1921-2016) was the oldest of the Mercury Seven, almost two years older than Wally Schirra, the next oldest. Gordon Cooper, the youngest, was six years younger than Glenn, and the astronauts ranged from 32- to 37-years old when presented to the world on April 9, 1959. After Scott Carpenter’s death three years ago, Glenn was the last of the Seven still alive.