Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Awarded for actions during the Cold War
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.
General Orders: Department of the Air Force, General Orders No. 20 (1954)
Action Date: December 12, 1953
Service: Air Force
Rank: Major
During this flight Chuck Yeager’s plane tumbled on all three axes – discovered inertia coupling -faster than 1 full rotation/second – about 50, I think (will research more). He recovered and immediately cracked a joke: “You don’t have to do a structural test on this airplane.” It had pulled many, many g’s side load, positive, negative as it tumbled.
Only Chuck Yeager could have recovered from this flight, was what his colleagues and competition said at the time.
c. PMN III LLC