Distinguished Flying Cross
Awarded for actions during the Cold War
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 Captain Charles Elwood Yeager (AFSN: 16076A), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight at Muroc Air Force Base on 5 January 1949. As Experimental Test Pilot, Flight Test Division, Air Materiel Command, Captain Yeager successfully accomplished the first powered take-off in the X-1 rocket airplane. The technical skill, courage, and judgment displayed by Captain Yeager in the execution of this hazardous experiment contributed to the advancement of aeronautical science and reflect credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Action Date: January 5, 1949
Service: Air Force
Rank: Captain