OT Gen. Chuck Yeager, first person to break the sound barrier, dies at 97

[SlyPokerDog]

General Chuck Yeager, WWII fighter pilot and the first person to break the sound barrier in flight has died. He was 97.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

RIP to a real American hero.

 

[oldfisherman]

Chuck's autobiography is one of the best books I ever read.

Not only was he a true hero. After he retired, his adventures are just as interesting as his military stories. He became an avid outdoorsman and did a lot of fishing and hunting. Much of his free time was spent hanging out at the local hardware store helping people.

RIP Chuck, hope you catch that recordbook golden trout in heaven.

 

[speeds]

Absolute madman. He's not going to rest in peace, he's going to be blasting off into oblivion. Godspeed, Chuck.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

Orville Wright was alive during Chuck Yeager’s speed record.

 

[Minstrel]

I first discovered him as a kid due to his Chuck Yeager's Advanced Flight Simulator. He gave me tips whenever I crashed the planes. I liked flying the SR-71 to the edge of space before stalling out the engines.

That's all I have, though I learned who he was sometime later.

 

[riverman]

Great great legend of courage and skill....greatest pilot to fly a plane probably ever in history...GOAT

 

[Lanny]

General Chuck Yeager, WWII fighter pilot and the first person to break the sound barrier in flight has died. He was 97.

A great national loss.

 

[stampedehero]

Great great legend of courage and skill....greatest pilot to fly a plane probably ever in history...GOAT

I agree he is in the stratosphere of great Fighter pilots. I recognize German Aces like Gallant, P-38 pilots like Robin Olds, Ira Bong and Charles McGuire too. Pappy Boyington and the Marines black sheep FG4U Corsair squadron. The amazing pilots of the carrier groups in their Hellcats and Wildcats. The P-51 pilots from the Red Tails, Bud Anderson and others. The British men who flew Hurricanes, Spitfires and Mosquitos. The Polish airmen who flew with the RAF should be recognized as well. The Russians had a number of aces too. So many to mention from so mamy
combatants.
However, when we look at Chuck, we recognize a rare leader and legend who entered the sound barrier.

 

[Chris Craig]

RIP Chuck

A real hero

 

[julius]

I like heroes who don't break things.

 

[RR7]

Just recently watched The Right Stuff with my 10 year old daughter. She's been reading the book, it was her movie night choice. Sad news