Florence in Lauderdale County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

Lt. Col. R. Edward Yeilding

City of Florence Walk of Honor

Photographed By Sandra Hughes, July 13, 2009

1. Lt. Col. R. Edward Yeilding Marker

Inscription.
After flying more than 90 worldwide reconnaissance missions, in 1990 Lt. Col. Ed Yeilding set a coast to coast aircraft speed record of 67 minutes 54 seconds flying an SR-71 spy plane, which is now at the Smithsonian.

Erected 2007 by City of Florence.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Military • Notable Events. A significant historical year for this entry is 1990.

Location. 34° 48.37′ N, 87° 37.885′ W. Marker is in Florence, Alabama, in Lauderdale County. Marker can be reached from Highttower Place south of Veterans Drive (Alabama Route 133), on the left when traveling south. Beginning with marker one, this marker is on pole 17 backside. It is one of 18 poles each has four sides that is located behind the Marriott Hotel in River Heritage Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Florence AL 35630, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Dr. Amit Roy (here, next to this marker); Mary Beth Pyron (here, next to this marker); Dr. William R. ("Bill") Strong (here, next to this marker); James Jackson (here, next to this marker); Rear Adm. John Murray Hood (here, next to this marker); Thomas Sigismund Stribling

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(here, next to this marker); Lynn Middleton Sibley (here, next to this marker); Rear Admiral Fran McKee (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Florence.

Also see . . .
1. Alabama Military Collections Association. Preserving History for Future Generations AMCA-News Special Guest: Mr. Ed Yielding(sic) (SR-71 Pilot) (Submitted on March 21, 2010, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA.)

2. SR-71A #61-7972 (17972) photo gallery. SR71 Online website entry (Submitted on June 14, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

Additional commentary.
1. R. Edward Yeilding
(Text of plaque shown in Photo No. 3) Established United States coast to coast speed record for aircraft, 67 minutes 64 seconds, in Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, cruising Mach 3.3 on March 6, 1990 to deliver aircraft for display at Smithsonian Udvar-Hazy Center. Born 1949, raised in Florence, Alabama, became Eagle Scout, received engineering degree from Auburn University. As a USAF pilot, maintained combat ready status in RF-4 and F-4E Phantoms for eight years. As SR071 instructor and developmental test pilot, earned four Air

Walk of Honor River Heritage Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Sandra Hughes, March 22, 2010

2. Walk of Honor River Heritage Park

Medals flying 93 overseas reconnaissance missions. Flew worldwide special air missions in C-20 aircraft. After 23 years of active duty, became pilot for Northwest Airlines Accumulated more than 13,000 hours of flight time. • Inducted into the Alabama Aviation Hall of Fame 2007.

— Submitted November 28, 2010.

Lt. Col. R. Edward Yeilding Plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Sandra Hughes, October 13, 2010

3. Lt. Col. R. Edward Yeilding Plaque

This plaque can be seen at the Southern Museum of Flight in Birmingham, Al.

Photographed By Sandra Hughes Tidwell, March 29, 2023

4. Lt. Col. R. Edward Yeilding Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 21, 2010, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 5,547 times since then and 403 times this year. Last updated on March 29, 2023, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. Photos: 1. submitted on March 21, 2010, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. 2. submitted on March 22, 2010, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. 3. submitted on November 1, 2010, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. 4. submitted on March 31, 2023, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.