Charles Elwood Yeager (Chuck)

Brigadier General Charles Elwood Yeager was an officer in the United States Air Force, a highly decorated flying ace, and an acclaimed, record-setting test pilot. He began his military career as a private in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II, initially serving as an aircraft mechanic before entering pilot training. His exceptional skill as a fighter pilot led him to achieve flying ace status, scoring multiple victories in aerial combat over Europe.

In October 1947, Yeager secured his place in aviation history when he piloted the experimental Bell X-1 aircraft, named Glamorous Glennis, to become the first pilot confirmed to have exceeded the speed of sound in level flight. This monumental achievement ushered in the supersonic era of aviation and solidified his reputation as one of the most famous test pilots in the world.

Following his historic flight, Yeager continued to command fighter squadrons and wings in Germany, Southeast Asia, and the United States, and served as the commandant of the USAF Aerospace Research Pilot School. He retired from active duty in 1975 with the rank of brigadier general, leaving behind a legacy of pioneering courage and dedication to military aviation.