That sounds like there is a possibility that Welch did it first but the odds favor Yeager.
Seeing the name, Bob Hoover reminds me that he was the one who described Yeager as “the best”.
Interestingly, in his book, Yeager said that the guy they call “Ridley” had waxed him in a mock dog fight.
I worked for a guy for a dozen years that was a fire-breathing fellow. He was an ex-drunk who sobered up without much help and remained too bitter. Many that worked for him below me had nothing but fear and loathing for him due to his in-your-face temper. He would be described as a “real asshole” by many.
However, there was a secret side to him that few but old friends and those working close to him saw clearly. He would do very generous acts and would almost always keep his action secret or somewhat hidden. He was great to work for after you understood his quirks.
He had a lower level payroll clerk that was about to loose her home. She was behind almost three mortgage payments. He gave the money personally for four payments to his Treasurer and told her to tell the clerk that a number of co-workers had chipped in but would like to remain secret. Saved this young woman’s world.
Was he an ass? Sure seemed that way to some, but also a good guy.