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How Did Chuck Yeager Break The Sound Barrier?

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How Did Chuck Yeager Break The Sound Barrier?
Yeager is by the far the most enjoyable history lesson anyone could wish for. The autobiography tells the story of Chuck Yeager, the world’s greatest pilot and first man to break the sound barrier. The story, told by General Yeager himself, has the perfect balance of humor and action. Witty anecdotes and suspenseful flight sequences keep the reader engrossed. The book is a multi-million bestseller for a reason. Chuck Yeager was born in 1923 in West Virginia. He learned to always do his best and be honest. Chuck’s father taught Chuck and his brother Roy to hunt and fish at early ages. Chuck’s sharp hunting eyes and amazing hand-eye coordination were key elements of his piloting prowess early on. Not only did Chuck have piloting skill, but he also understood the engineering and mechanical aspects of planes due to tinkering with engines and pumps his father used. Despite his heroism, Chuck still …show more content…
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

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