[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 213 (Wednesday, December 16, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S7536]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          REMEMBERING GENERAL CHARLES ELWOOD ``CHUCK'' YEAGER

  Mr. MANCHIN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor an American hero 
and one of West Virginia's native sons who was larger than life and an 
inspiration for generations of Americans--General Charles Elwood 
``Chuck'' Yeager. Chuck bravely served our Nation as a pilot for more 
than 30 years in the U.S. Air Force during World War II and Vietnam. 
When he became the first pilot to break the sound barrier he challenged 
each of us to test the limits of what is possible. I am grateful to 
have known this legendary West Virginian and to call him my dear 
friend.
  Chuck truly embodied what it means to be from the Mountain State. 
Born in 1923 in rural Lincoln County, Chuck grew up the way many of us 
do in West Virginia--hunting and fishing and learning early to be 
respectful of nature and our fellow man. Like his father, A. Hal 
Yeager, who was a gaswell driller, Chuck showed an aptitude for 
mechanics, and by the time he was a teenager, he was able to assemble a 
car engine on his own. His work ethic and natural talent would serve 
him well throughout the rest of his remarkable life.
  In 1941, Chuck enlisted in the Army Air Forces right out of high 
school and trained as a mechanic before heading to flight school. In 
1944, he experienced a harrowing encounter when his plane was shot down 
over German-occupied France. He and another American travelled on foot 
through mountainous terrain and snow toward neutral Spain. As they 
stopped to rest, the Nazis opened fire, wounding the man traveling with 
Chuck. Chuck carried him into Spain, where they met British forces. 
Despite the treacherous journey he had just endured, to everyone's 
astonishment, Chuck was determined to fly again. He climbed his way 
through the ranks, pursuing a return to combat duty, which was 
eventually granted. For his service, Chuck received the Silver Star, 
the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple 
Heart, and the Air Medal. He also received the Presidential Medal of 
Freedom, the Nation's highest civilian award, from President Ronald 
Reagan in 1985. There are so few Veterans left from the World War II 
era, and it is our responsibility and our privilege to recognize the 
service of these noble heroes.
  In 1957, Chuck became an air squadron commander and then commander of 
the Aerospace Research Pilot School at Edwards in 1961. He also 
commanded a fighter wing and flew combat missions during the Vietnam 
war. He retired as an Air Force brigadier general in 1975, and in an 
honorary gesture, he was promoted to the rank of major general in 2005.
  We all of course know the story of the day Chuck became the first 
pilot to break the sound barrier. On October 14, 1947, Chuck flew an 
orange Bell X-1 aircraft at nearly 700 mph and made history. Flying F-
15 planes, he broke the sound barrier again on the 50th and 55th 
anniversaries of his pioneering flight, and he was a passenger on an F-
15 plane in another breaking of the sound barrier to commemorate the 
65th anniversary.
  I knew Chuck very well and he was a dear friend to me and Gayle. As 
Governor, I was fortunate to host Chuck at least once a year for the 
One Shot Deer Hunt, which gives proceeds to helping the hungry. He told 
me so many incredible stories of his service, including all the 
intricate details of his legendary flight. I recall him telling me that 
the only reason he got to fly the Bell X-1 that day was because the 
previous pilot they asked wanted too much money. They offered Chuck an 
extra 60 dollars a month, and he jumped at the chance. Not only is the 
story true about Chuck pushing through with a broken rib, but he wasn't 
even supposed to break the sound barrier that day. He thought if he 
didn't go for it that first day, he wouldn't get another chance. Chuck 
truly had nerves of steel.
  Long after his record-breaking flight, Chuck remained in our hearts 
as a symbol of patriotism and bravery. His life is full of tales of his 
bravery, his stoicism in the face of danger, and his determination to 
perform his duty no matter the cost.
  The legacy Chuck leaves is such an important part of our heritage as 
West Virginians. Our little State has mined the coal that forged the 
steel that built the tanks and ships that keep our country the 
strongest in the world. It is an honor to remember Chuck as part of our 
military service heritage and our way of life that sinks deep into the 
roots of West Virginia's rich culture. I encourage all Americans to 
learn what they can about this legendary West Virginian.
  Gayle and I are praying for Chuck's wife Victoria, daughters, Susan 
and Sharon, son, Don, and all who loved and admired him.

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