(1906 - 1980)
Jacqueline Cochran was the first woman to break the speed of sound in 1953 and author of the book The Stars at Noon.
other accomplishments:
- director of the Women's Air Force Service Pilots in World War II.
- first woman to win the Bendix Transcontinental Air Race in 1938.
- established a woman's altitude record in 1939.
- the first woman to pilot a bomber across the North Atlantic.
- awarded the Distinguished Service Medal in 1945.
- became the Chair of the National Aeronautic Commission in 1971.
- in 1971 was was inducted into the Aviation Hall of Fame (the first living woman to receive that honour).
- when she died, she held more speed, altitude and distance records than any other pilot, female or male.