THE MANCHIN REPORT: Honoring Chuck Yeager is Honoring West Virginia
By Joe ManchinGovernor of West Virginia
Charleston, WV (HNN) -- Earlier this week, I was honored to welcome Gen. Chuck Yeager back home to West Virginia as he participated in the official unveiling of a monument honoring him at the intersection of WV 214/3 and U.S. 119 near Yawkey and the dedication of the new Lincoln County High School.
In September 1941, Gen. Yeager left the rolling hills and valleys of his native Lincoln County and followed in the path established by the men and women of our greatest generation, enlisting as a private in the Army Air Corps to support the war effort in World War II. Starting out as an airplane mechanic and moving quickly into pilot school, Yeager exhibited a natural ability and distinguished himself as an aviator early in his military career.
After flying 56 successful combat missions as a fighter pilot in the European Theatre, Chuck returned stateside in 1945, moving on to an assignment that led to a major turning point in his career. He became a maintenance officer for the Pilot Test Wing in the community that was home to the Wright Brothers and the “Birthplace of Aviation” - Wright Field (Wright-Patterson Air Force Base) in Dayton, Ohio. In late summer 1947, he was sent to California’s Edwards Air Force Base to fly the rocket-powered Bell X-1. After launch from a B-29 on Oct. 14, 1947, Yeager piloted a Bell X-1 to a speed of Mach 1.06 at 42,000 feet, shattering the myth of the once-dreaded sound barrier forever.
That first supersonic flight represented the beginning of a distinguished 34-year military career that saw Chuck log more than 10,000 hours in more than 330 different types and models of aircraft, bringing him fame in the world of aviation as one of its truly legendary figures.
The magnitude of General Chuck Yeager’s achievements is truly remarkable. Not only does General Chuck Yeager truly define the unwavering spirit of America, but he also represents the best of what West Virginia has to offer.
Chuck said it the best when he said, “You don't concentrate on risks. You concentrate on results. No risk is too great to prevent the necessary job from getting done.” And, it is that attitude that has brought the General years of praise and success. General Yeager is truly an admirable person and his accomplishments in flight are astounding. He’s been an outstanding role model and personal hero to many West Virginians and Americans, including myself, and our state couldn’t be more proud of a man who is one of its most famous native sons.
West Virginia is one of the most patriotic states in the nation and we are honored to be the home to one of our nation’s greatest veterans and aviation pioneers. The Mountain State is truly proud to be home to someone who has been the recipient of every major award in the field of flight, yet still has not forgotten his heritage and past -- and his West Virginia roots.
Web site for Gen. Charles E. “Chuck” Yeager: www.chuckyeager.com