Born February 13, 1923, Myra, West Virginia. Commissioned
flight officer and rated military aviator 1943. As a fighter
pilot in England during World War II, achieved 13 confirmed
victories. Rated test pilot 1946 and remained active in the
field for more than 20 years. Pioneer in the early and
dangerous days of high speed flight research aircraft,
became the first pilot to fly faster than the speed of sound.
Among his many honors are the Harmon Trophy 1953, Collier
Trophy 1947, Mackay Trophy 1947, Silver Congressional Medal
1976.
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