Posted on 12/08/2020 5:03:14 AM PST by Rummyfan
The legendary pilot and retired brigadier general became the first man to fly faster than the speed of sound
Chuck Yeager, the historic test pilot portrayed in the movie “The Right Stuff,” is dead at the age of 97, according to a tweet posted on his account late Monday.
"It is w/ profound sorrow, I must tell you that my life love General Chuck Yeager passed just before 9pm ET," said the tweet, attributed to his wife, actress Victoria Scott D'Angelo. "An incredible life well lived, America’s greatest Pilot, & a legacy of strength, adventure, & patriotism will be remembered forever."
The legendary pilot and retired brigadier general became the first man to fly faster than the speed of sound on Oct. 14, 1947.
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
RIP General
Dang another REAL AMERICAN HERO, gone. Thank you for your service General. Now go fly with those new wings.
One of the greatest of the Greatest Generation. A hero of mine since childhood in the 50’s. Followed him closely until he couldn’t fly any more.
Aviation in my blood as my father was a pilot, uncle a Navy pilot and then instructor, 2 of my son’s are pilots, one a Navy helo pilot.
Chuck Yeager is one of those who kept energizing that flying blood. A humble man too - as are all truly great men.
A GIANT.
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Sad indeed. A sweet story about him. Working at Williams Ranch Elementary school years ago we had an aide named Pricilla. She Had been the crossing guard for 35 years, cheering up the kids as well as drivers with her enthusiasm and affinity for crazy hats. Hearing of her impending retirement, Chuck stopped by the school with flowers and a photo with her to thank her for making him smile everyday.
“Is that a man???”
“You’re damn right it is!!!”
RIP, Sir!
Rest in Peace
The testosterone level in California just dropped 40%. Godspeed, General, you’ve slipped the surly bonds of Earth.
A standing slow salute,
With a tear in my eye.
A hero’s life passes by.
Bless you, General Chuck, sir!!
Yeager also was the first fighter pilot to shoot down a fighter jet air-to-air. And in a P-51 no less. He caught an ME-262 dirtied up for landing and on short final. Early jet engines had lots of “turbine lag” and took several seconds to spool up from low RPMs. Yeager was flying low-level and popped up over some trees to find the Nazi jet right in front of him, low and slow with flaps and landing gear hanging. The German pilot didn’t have nearly enough time to get the plane cleaned up and the jet engine spun up before Yeager lit him up with six 50-cals.
Sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good.
Wrote one of the great American autobiographies. Must read.
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