Korean War vets: subtle but significant influence in society. (Famous War Veterans).(well-known veterans include John H. Glenn, Ted Williams, and Neil A. Armstrong)

Some 1.6 million Americans actually served in Korea (1950-53). Despite their small numbers, Korea veterans made outstanding contributions after the war.

JOHN H. GLENN (1921- ) b. Cambridge, Ohio Astronaut & Senator

The first American to orbit the earth and a senator from Ohio for 23 years (1974-99), John Glenn captured the public imagination as a space explorer. He became the oldest human to travel in space when he went back into orbit in 1998 at age 77.

In Korea between February and July 1953, Glenn flew 63 missions with Marine Fighter Squadron 311 based in Pohang and 27 missions with the Air Force's 25th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron at Suwon. During WWII, he flew 59 missions over the Marshalls in 1944-45 and later patrolled North China. Altogether, he earned six Distinguished Flying Crosses.

As a test pilot, Glenn set a transcontinental speed record in 1957 flying a supersonic jet. Serving in the Marine Corps through 1964, he then became a business executive for a decade and was Ohio's first four-term senator.

TED WILLIAMS (1918- ) b. San Diego, Calif. Professional Baseball Player

The last major league player to bat over .400 in a season (he hit .406 in 1941), Ted Williams played for the Boston Red Sox between 1939 and 1960. He led the American League in batting six times, and four times in home runs and runs batted in. His career home runs totaled 521.

Williams served with Marine Fighter Squadron 311 in Korea from Feb. 4 to June 28, 1953. He flew 49 missions, crash-landing on …