(INDIANAPOLIS—December 8, 2020) – American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford issued the following statement today concerning the death of legendary pilot Chuck Yeager:
“America lost a great veteran last night but heaven gained a great pilot. Brig. Gen. Chuck Yeager was as brave as he was fast. He was not only the first to break the sound barrier but he was a World War II fighter ace. The one-time private in the Army Air Forces lived to see the creation of the U.S. Space Force. The history of America’s aviation success simply could not be told without including significant space to Charles E. “Chuck” Yeager, one of the greatest pilots that ever lived. We extend our condolences to his family. He was a real American hero.”
I had the pleasure of meeting B. Gen. Yeager after he completed his flight at Luke AFB many years ago when I was young Airman. He came into the Life Support shop to drop off his flight gear before heading to debrief his mission. He looked at me and said, Airman Maxa you see my flight gear here, there is nothing wrong with so don’t touch it, understood. I said yes sir and walked away….
