I may have I cracked the case. Lt. Colonel Joseph P. Salvo: He was a heck of a soldier, and a man with accomplishments in his life that are truly of note... paratrooper trainer WWII, Japan occupation, Korean War, Vietnam War, Laos War, Cambodia War, and in between, NASA. Here is his obit.

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/tucson/obituary.aspx?n=joseph-p-salvo&pid=154241845

Joseph P. Salvo | Visit Guest Book

"Lt. Colonel Joseph P. Salvo died of pneumonia at home in Oro Valley, surrounded by his loving family on October 17, 2011. He was born in 1919 in Philadelphia, son of Sofie and Peter Salvo. Immediately following graduation from Westchester State University, in August 1941, he was drafted into the army where he served as a parachute jump trainer during WWII. He was a Captain stationed in Japan at the start of the Korean War. He was among the first troops sent to Korea with the 25th Division where he headed an ambulance company and was awarded the Bronze Star for his service. Joe was one of the first Medical Construction Liaison Officers in the Air Force and was assigned to Lackland AFB during the construction of Wilford Hall Hospital. In 1960, he was designated Operations Officer in Bioastronautics at Patrick AFB. He supported Projects Mercury and Gemini working closely with John Glenn and other Mercury 7 astronauts. (emphasis mine). On retirement from the Air force he joined the United States Agency for International Development and served four years as Chief of Civilian Health Facilities in South Vietnam. In 1971 he moved his family to Vientiane, Laos where he was assigned as the Hospital Administration Advisor to the Kingdom of Laos. He also worked as an advisor and consultant in Cambodia. After retirement from USAID he spent several years as a consultant in developing countries. Joe enjoyed badminton and won a gold medal in the Senior Olympics. He was honored by West Chester State University as a Distinguished Alumnus. He is survived by his wife, Joan H. Salvo; and children, Joseph P. Salvo (Julie), Christine Davis (Daniel), Richard J. Salvo and Marianne Fracaro (Andrew); his grandchildren, Kelsey and Celeste; and his surviving sisters, Mary Mike and Terry Domarosky. Arrangements by VISTOSO FUNERAL MEMORIAL CHAPEL."

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At some point it wouldn't be hard to contact his wife and ask about the history of the knife. For that matter, a letter to John Glenn just might be answered. He took the time to visit with a bunch of my Annapolis son's flight class during the Navy-Notre Dame game a few years ago. He was happy to have to attention and to talk.