On February 20, 1962, which Marine piloted the first capsule to orbit the Earth?

The correct answer highlights the significant contribution of Colonel John H. Glenn, who made history on February 20, 1962, by piloting the Friendship 7 spacecraft during America's first manned orbital flight. This mission showcased not only Glenn's exceptional skills as a Marine and aviator but also marked a monumental moment in the Space Race, as he became the first American to orbit the Earth.

Glenn completed three orbits around the planet, and his flight lasted nearly five hours, providing valuable data and experience for future space missions. His accomplishments are often celebrated as a testament to Marine Corps training, discipline, and courage, emphasizing the connection between military service and pioneering advancements in science and technology.

In contrast, other choices do not relate to this historic event. Captain John Fitzpatrick, General Archibald Henderson, and Staff Sergeant Presley N. O'Bannon, while all significant figures in their own right, were not involved in the space program or this particular mission. Their contributions come from different areas, either within military history or in ancestral feats but do not connect directly with piloting the first orbital capsule.