Charles Elwood Yeager, a renowned figure in the realm of aviation, was a retired Brigadier General of the United States Air Force, boasting an illustrious career as a flying ace and record-setting test pilot.
Born on February 13, 1923, Yeager's journey as a pilot began during World War II, where he flew a P-51 Mustang, racking up an impressive total of at least 11 enemy aircraft shot down on the Western Front.
Following the war, Yeager transitioned into the role of test pilot, a period marked by significant investment and rapid technological advancements in aircraft development during the late 1940s and 1950s.
It was during this time that Yeager made history, becoming the first pilot to officially break the sound barrier, exceeding Mach 1, on October 14, 1947, while piloting the Bell X-1, a small experimental rocket-powered aircraft.
Yeager's remarkable achievements did not stop there, as he continued to test pilot a wide range of aircraft, setting numerous aviation records throughout his illustrious career.
Tragically, Charles Elwood Yeager passed away on December 7, 2020, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be etched in the annals of aviation history.
