Return to Edwards
On 14 October 1997, General Yeager returned to Edwards to commemorate the 50th anniversary of his milestone flight in the Bell X-1. More than 55 years after he had commenced his flying career, he climbed into an F-15 Eagle with the name “Glamorous Glennis” gracing its nose and reprised the flight profile that had taken him through the “sound barrier.” His flight that morning was telecast live to a worldwide audience by CNN.
Glennis and Chuck Yeager following the retirement ceremony in his honor at Norton AFB. General Yeager’s retirement occurred just two days after their 30th wedding anniversary.
Nose art of Chuck Yeager's F-15 at Edwards AFB, October 2002.
Among the many offering congratulations was former President George Bush who captured the essence of the man and his achievements when he wrote:
“If I was asked to choose one word that would define Chuck Yeager, it would be service. Fighter pilot, test pilot, combat commander—you have always valued service to our country above all else . . . Chuck, the courage, resourcefulness, and integrity which you have displayed so magnificently throughout over five decades of service to the United States are the very qualities that built this country into the greatest nation on earth.”
Starting with Harry S. Truman in 1948, Yeager’s gotten to know a lot of Presidents over the years. On 3 October 1988, he helped host President George Bush during a Space Shuttle landing at Edwards.
“Hey, it’s a piece of cake!” General Yeager has remained in constant demand for public appearances. In 1986, he drove the pace car for the Indianapolis 500.
In the cockpit of an F-15 just prior to taxiing out for takeoff, October 1996.
Chuck Yeager (L) and Bob Hoover (R) at Edwards AFB, 1997.
Chuck Yeager, in costume on the set of "The Right Stuff, " where he had a small part playing the bartender at Pancho Barnes’ Happy Bottom Riding Club.
F-15 Eagle - Chuck Yeager's favorite military aircraft.