During World War II Chuck was an ace fighter pilot. After the War, in 1947, Yeager was assigned to test the rocket powered X-1 jet. Later in 1947, Chuck broke the sound barrier in the X-1. In 1952, Chuck set a new air speed record of 1,650 miles per hour, about twice the speed of sound. Chuck purposely set this record just days before a special was to air on television about the previous record holder. He was known as the fiercest pilot; he could wax anyone in a dogfight regardless of who had the better plane. Some of Chuck’s military decorations and awards include a Silver Star, a Distinguished Flying Cross, and a Purple Heart. His civilian awards include the MacKay, Harmon, and Collier Trophies; the Presidential Medal of Freedom; and a peacetime Congressional Medal of Honor. Before he retired he was youngest pilot ever inducted into the Aviation hall of fame in Dayton, Ohio. Chuck was the best for two simple reasons: he loved to fly, and he flew more than anyone
During World War II Chuck was an ace fighter pilot. After the War, in 1947, Yeager was assigned to test the rocket powered X-1 jet. Later in 1947, Chuck broke the sound barrier in the X-1. In 1952, Chuck set a new air speed record of 1,650 miles per hour, about twice the speed of sound. Chuck purposely set this record just days before a special was to air on television about the previous record holder. He was known as the fiercest pilot; he could wax anyone in a dogfight regardless of who had the better plane. Some of Chuck’s military decorations and awards include a Silver Star, a Distinguished Flying Cross, and a Purple Heart. His civilian awards include the MacKay, Harmon, and Collier Trophies; the Presidential Medal of Freedom; and a peacetime Congressional Medal of Honor. Before he retired he was youngest pilot ever inducted into the Aviation hall of fame in Dayton, Ohio. Chuck was the best for two simple reasons: he loved to fly, and he flew more than anyone