Lackland Air Force Base in Bexar County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Brig. Gen. Charles "Chuck" Yeager

AT-6 ...an enlisted story.

Photographed by James Hulse, August 16, 2024

1. Brig. Gen. Charles "Chuck" Yeager Marker

Inscription. One of the more famous people to learn the art of military aviation in the AT-6 Texan was Charles “Chuck” Yeager, who gained fame on Oct 14, 1947, as the first man to break the sound barrier. He enlisted as a private in the Army Air Corps in September 1941 and served briefly as an aircraft mechanic before being accepted into the Flying Sergeant Program, Corporal Yeager graduated AT-6 training March 10, 1943, at Luke Field, Arizona. However, his path to the cockpit was through the Sergeant Pilot Program and his rank became that of Flight Officer, often referred to as "Third Lieutenant". His combat performance eventually brought him the official commissioned rank of Second Lieutenant. He went on to become an ace with 11.5 victories over Luftwaffe opponents. His accomplishments as an Air Force test pilot are legendary, especially for one who began his military career in the lowest enlisted grade.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Air & Space. A significant historical date for this entry is March 10, 1943.

Location. 29° 23.527′ N, 98° 37.248′ W. Marker is in Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, in Bexar County. It is on Bong Avenue south of Luke Blvd. The marker is located at the USAF Airman Heritage Museum’s Air Park which is around the parade grounds. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Jbsa Lackland TX 78236, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South Texas

and in the San Antonio Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: AT-6 "Texan" (here, next to this marker); We Remember (here, next to this marker); T-34A "Mentor" (within shouting distance of this marker); T-28 "Trojan" (within shouting distance of this marker); P-51H "Mustang" (within shouting distance of this marker); F-16 "Fighting Falcon" (within shouting distance of this marker); P-38L "Lightning" (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); F-15 "Eagle" (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lackland Air Force Base.

More about this marker. The marker, museum and air park are located on the Lackland Air Force Base, an active U.S. military installation which is a part of the Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA). The USAF Airman Heritage Museum and Air Park are open to the public, but appropriate identification is required for access. Visit the museum’s web site for current details on visiting the museum and air park.

Also see . . .
1. Airmen Heritage Training Complex. USAF Airman Heritage Museum (Submitted on August 22, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

2. Chuck Yeager. Wikipedia

Brigadier General Charles Elwood Yeager, February 13, 1923 – December 7, 2020) was a United States Air Force officer, flying ace, and record-setting test
Photographed by James Hulse, August 16, 2024

2. Brig. Gen. Charles "Chuck" Yeager Marker (left marker)
pilot who in October 1947 became the first pilot in history confirmed to have exceeded the speed of sound in level flight.

(Submitted on August 22, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

Brig. Gen. Charles "Chuck" Yeager image. Click for full size.

Public Domain - US Air Force, circa 1970s

3. Brig. Gen. Charles "Chuck" Yeager

Credits. This page was last revised on August 22, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 21, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 151 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 22, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.