Chuck Yeager
Brigadier General Charles Elwood "Chuck" Yeager (1923-2020) was born in West Virginia and enlisted in the Army Air Forces in 1941 as a mechanic before entering pilot training.
He became a decorated WWII fighter ace flying P-51 Mustangs over Europe, was shot down, escaped occupied France, and returned to combat.
Post-war, Yeager became a test pilot at Edwards Air Force Base, where he made history as the first pilot to break the sound barrier.
He also served in Vietnam, eventually rising to brigadier general.
His numerous decorations include the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Distinguished Service Medal, and Silver Star.
