The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain (Air Corps) Charles Elwood Yeager (AFSN: 16076A), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a test pilot on 14 October 1947. Captain Yeager, piloting the XS-1, became the first man on record to fly a plane faster than the speed of sound. This accomplishment of this mission, which required superior professional ability, coolness and determined courage by Captain Yeager, was a contribution to the advancement of aeronautical science and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Captain (Air Corps)Batallion:
363d Fighter SquadronRegiment:
357th Fighter GroupDivision:
8th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 20 (February 2, 1945)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Air Corps) Charles Elwood Yeager (AFSN: 16076A), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-38 Lightning Fighter Airplane of the 363d Fighter Squadron, 357th Fighter Group, EIGHT Air Force, in aerial operations in the European Theater of Operations, in 1944 and 1945. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Yeager, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Colonel Charles Elwood Yeager (AFSN: 16076A), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Major GeneralAction Date:
March 1973 – March 1975
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Charles Elwood Yeager (AFSN: 16076A), United States Air Force, was awarded the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, culminating Director, Air Force Inspection and Safety Center, Norton Air Force Base, California, from March 1973 to March 1975. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Yeager culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions in the Service of his Country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Captain (Air Corps)Batallion:
363d Fighter SquadronRegiment:
357th Fighter GroupDivision:
8th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 28 (February 19, 1945)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Air Corps) Charles Elwood Yeager (AFSN: 16076A), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-38 Lightning Fighter Airplane of the 363d Fighter Squadron, 357th Fighter Group, EIGHT Air Force, in aerial operations in the European Theater of Operations, in 1944 and 1945. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Yeager, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General Charles Elwood Yeager (AFSN: 16076A), United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Yeager and his dedicated contributions in the Service of his Country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General Charles Elwood Yeager (AFSN: 16076A), United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Yeager and his dedicated contributions in the Service of his Country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Captain (Air Corps)Batallion:
363d Fighter SquadronRegiment:
357th Fighter GroupDivision:
8th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Charles Elwood Yeager (AFSN: 16076A), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-38 Fighter Pilot of the 363d Fighter Squadron, 357th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Department of the Air Force, General Orders No. 20 (April 30, 1954)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Medal (Air Force) to Major Charles Elwood Yeager (AFSN: 16076A), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States while participating in aerial flight. On 12 December 1953, Major Yeager piloted the United States Air Force experimental rocket-powered X-1A aircraft to a speed of more than 1,800 miles per hour. This climactic flight enabled the aircraft industry to take giant strides in the field of supersonic flight and assisted in making it possible for the Air Force to place supersonic fighters in victorious combat. The courage, skill and knowledge displayed by Major Yeager during the long period of preparation for this exploration of the then unknown were emphasized by the obstacles which he overcame during the flight. The skill and daring he displayed in performing this act resulted in many millions of dollars saved by the United States Government and secured invaluable information for science. Major Yeager’s outstanding flying ability, technical skill and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.