Bell X-1

Jacqueline Cochran and Chuck Yeagar, 1960s

Bell X-1 “Glamorous Glennis”

Chuck Yeager

Bell X-1, flown by Chuck Yeager

RIP Chuck Yeager, the first person to break the sound barrier - opening up the world of spaceflight. The photo shows Chuck sitting in an a Bell X-1 cockpit on 26 September 1947.

📷: US Air Force, Edwards AFB, Historian Office, Public Domain

Remembering Chuck Yeager, 1923-2020

Brigadier General Charles E. Yeager received a Special Congressional Silver Medal from President Ford on December 8, 1976, for exceptional service to the nation. This award was equivalent to a non-combat Medal of Honor. The citation recounted his unprecedented contribution to aviation history:

Brigadier Charles E. Yeager, United States Air Force (Retired), displayed conspicuous gallantry and total disregard for his personal safety on October 14, 1947, as pilot of the XS-1 research aircraft. On that date, the then Captain Yeager advanced aerospace science a quantum step beyond the first half-century of powered flight by proving that an aircraft could be flown at supersonic speeds. In that brief 14 minute flight, General Yeager dispelled for all time the mythical “sound barrier” and set the stage for unprecedented aviation advancement. Through his selfless dedication to duty and his heroic challenge of the unknown, General Yeager performed inestimable service to his country far above and beyond the call of duty and brought great credit upon himself and the United States of America.

Learn more about the legislation that created this Special Congressional Silver Medal.

Image: President Ford presenting a Special Congressional Silver Medal to Brigadier General Charles E. Yeager, USAF (Retired) in the Cabinet Room, 12/8/1976. Thomas C. Reed, Secretary of the Air Force, and General David C. Jones, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, are standing behind General Yeager. (White House Photograph B2440-07)

Sam Shepard and Chuck Yeager on the set of The Right Stuff.