Jacqueline Cochran: First woman pilot breaks sound barrier

Known among peers as the "Speed Queen," Cochran won five Harmon Trophies and established numerous records for speed, distance, and altitude. The National Museum of the United States Army noted her entry into air racing: "As her cosmetics business took off, Cochran caught the air racing bug. She became the first woman to enter the Bendix Transcontinental Air Race in 1935."

During World War II, Cochran played a crucial role by organizing nearly 1,100 women pilots who ferried military aircraft under her leadership through Women's Flying Training Detachment (WFTD). These pilots flew over 60 million miles between 1943 and 1944.

In September 1948, she joined the US Air Force Reserve as a Lieutenant Colonel and was among its first female pilots. Her postwar achievements included flying jet aircraft and challenging world speed records held by Jacqueline Auriol at that time.

On May 18, 1953, Cochran borrowed a Canadair F-86 Sabre jet with assistance from Canadair's support team to achieve supersonic flight. The National Air & Space Museum recounted: “In 1953...she was coached by Major Charles 'Chuck' Yeager."

Cochran served from 1942–1970 with allegiance to United States military branches such as Women Airforce Service Pilots Air Force Reserve Command earning prestigious awards like Distinguished Service Medal Distinguished Flying Cross throughout this period.