"With John's passing, our nation has lost an icon and Michelle and I have lost a friend, Glenn's pioneering flight "reminded us that with courage and a spirit of discovery there's no limit to the heights we can reach together.John spent his life breaking barriers, from defending our freedom as a decorated Marine Corps fighter pilot in World War II and Korea, to setting a transcontinental speed record, to becoming, at age 77, the oldest human to touch the stars," Obama said. "John always had the right stuff, inspiring generations of scientists, engineers and astronauts who will take us to Mars and beyond — not just to visit, but to stay." President Obama on the passing of John Glenn