Aviation Fans Commemorate Gen. Chuck Yeager's 100th Birthday on February 13, 2023 Gen. Chuck Yeager became the first person to fly faster than the speed of sound on Oct. 14, 1947, when he was a U.S. Air Force Captain. Living in Grass Valley, he died at 97 on 12/7/20 but would have celebrated his 100th birthday on February 13, 2023.
General Chuck Yeager is a legendary figure in aviation history and is considered one of the greatest pilots of all time. In 1947 he was the first person to fly faster than the speed of sound in the Bell X-1 Glamorous Glennis, which was a major milestone in aviation history. Yeager served as a test pilot in the US Air Force and tested many of the aircraft used in WWII. He was a skilled aviator with a natural talent for flying and was known for his courage and daring, often taking on risky and challenging missions. As a WWII fighter ace, after being shot down he evaded German capture and carried a wounded airman to safety over the Pyrenees in 3 feet of snow. He also implemented safety rules into aviation that have saved countless lives. He was awarded numerous medals for his service, including the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star with a V, and the Distinguished Flying Cross. Yeager’s accomplishments have inspired countless people to pursue careers in aviation, and he remains a symbol of bravery, innovation, and the spirit of adventure in the field of aerospace.