Yeager, Charles Elwood Pubblico Deposited
(L98)
Born in Myra, West Virginia. Married Glennis Faye Dickhouse February 26, 1945. They have four children. He enlisted in the United States Army Air Force in 1941. He served as a fighter pilot in Europe 1943 to 1945. He became a test pilot for experimental aircraft 1945 to 1954. He became the first pilot to fly faster than sound October 14, 1947. His plane was named Glamourous Glennis after his wife. It is on exhibit in the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum.
Yeager was commander of the 405th Fighter Wing 1968 to 1969 and Vice Commander of the 17th Air Force 1969 to 1971. He retired in 1975 with the rank of brigadier general.
Yeager was a highly decorated pilot. His honors include: DSM with oak leaf cluster; Silver Star with oak leaf cluster; Legion of merit with one oak leaf cluster; DFC with two oak leaf clusters; Bronze star with V device; Air medal with 10 oak leaf clusters; Air Force Commendation medal and the Purple Heart. The mint also honored Yeager with a medal (USM 662) in their National Historic Series. The size was 3 inch (76 mm) diameter.
bio: WWA 94
- 1923-02-13
- Myra, West Virginia