Ward, as I watched this video I couldn't help but get teary eyed. I spend most of my adult life in the Navy around fighter aircraft as a maintainer and became a private pilot along the way. I can remember very vividly talking to Chuck Yeager one on one at the Oshkosh Flyin many years ago. He and one of his best friends, Bob Hoover would drive around the Oshkosh grounds in a golf cart and one time they stopped by the Ultralight field and started talking to myself and another general aviation guy about Ultralight Aircraft. I still am amazed at this fact that here is a guy that broke the sound barrier but still wanted to talk and watch Ultralight Aircraft. He was and will always remain a pilots pilot. He autographed my book "Chuck Yeager" that day at a book signing and is my most treasured aviation item. I still remember his comment during a safety talk. In an emergency always fly the airplane first then deal with the situation. Sorry this was so long. Thank you for a great tribute.
Yes he's my greatest HERO why I wanted to FLY after TOP GUN Chuck was my greatest inspiration. Bob Hoover is the other. He was a natural Many pilots for first rule FLY THE AC FIRST and foremost most important item. Watxh air disasters on TV and the biggest thing I see they don't do is FLY THE AIRCRAFT Many pilots flew into mountains because they go back to basics aviate navigate communicate How they can get lost FLY into mountains is just mind boggling not knowing your MCA Is like not knowing you V SPEEDS and stalling cause opps you didn't know
@@soonerfrac4611 he was a flier. They only made him a STAR at the end of his career cause once he became a BRIG it’s definitely all over on the flight line no more flights no more flying. NOPE. I bet he turned down many chances of advancing just to say flying
@@AerobaticsPilot Even Yeager credits Bob Hoover with being the best pilot ever. And Yeager was never known for modesty. LOL Don't get me wrong, Yeager was great and it's not bragging if you can back it up, and he could!
I worshipped General Yeager as a kid after seeing The Right Stuff in the early 80s. My father hunted down some means by which to contact the General asking for an autograph. My dad had no idea if the letter sent would even be answered. Sure enough 4 months later a beautiful black and white autographed photo of Chuck in full flight gear standing in front of a Tiger shark II arrived. It hangs in my office to this day.
I had the honor of meeting General Yeager at Oshkosh in 1995. What an awesome experience. The next spring I had the honor of meeting Colonel Bud Anderson at Sun N' Fun. AMAZING memories. ❤️🫡😎👍
A couple of corrections. He was promoted to flight officer (equivalent to warrant officer) after graduating from pilot training at Luke Field. He subsequently was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant and ended the war as a captain. There were other flying sergeants during the war, and most of them became either flight officers or received a commission. Also, even though he never graduated from the AF test pilot school (because it didn't exist at the time), later in his career he was the commanding officer of that school.
Ward, I had the honor and privilege along with my son to meet him at the grand opening of the Cabalas in Wheeling, WV. He was gracious and friendly considering all the people lined up to meet him, more so when he found out I was retired Navy. My son still cherishes the autographed Cabalas catalogue he received along with the numerous photos he took with us......R.I.P. General Yeager, they don't make 'em like that anymore.
Amazing. I've met Chuck, I was 5 years old but dad was a Squadron Leader in the RNZAF and we were at an airshow at Whenuapai Air force base. You could spot this guy a mile away and he just bowled straight up to dad and I and introduced himself. Now my dad doesn't get phased by too much but I still remember the look of total astonishment on his face, and to this day I still remember vividly meeting him. He just exuded charisma, looking back it was a massive honour.
Chuck Yeager was my 2nd cousin, once removed. Pretty cool. This knowledge came in handy once in Tech School at the Medina Annex in San Antonio. On a Friday afternoon assembly our shirt asked a trivia question, and if we answered correctly the entire student population was allowed to go back to the dorms early. "Who was the first person to break the sound barrier?" My arm shot up and I was called on. I said " Chuck Yeager, have a good weekend!" Fun stuff. Miss those days.
Interestingly enough Chuck Yeager was the first to be officially recorded breaking it in level flight. But is unlikely to have been the first person to ever do it. There are plausible claims as far back as 1942 of pilots having broken the sound barrier in dives, and even some (less plausible) claims from German and British Jets that broke it in level flight.
Fascinating story Ward. My father went to flight school with Gen. Yeager, class of 43C. They did not know each other because my dad went to the P-38 program instead of single-engine fighters. My dad ended up with 6 confirmed victories in the Lightning. About 10 years ago I had an e-mail exchange with Gen. Yeager. I told him that I had a set of orders with both his name and my dad’s name appointing them as pilots. He, Yeager, enthusiastically asked me for a copy of the orders which I did email to him! Yeager was appointed a Flight Officer, roughly the equivalent to today’s Warrant Officer. My father received a commission as a 2Lt.. The class of 1943 was one of the first “Flying Sergeants” classes in the Air Corps. As resources became scarce, the Flying Sergeant program went away and everyone received either a commission or an appointment as a Flight Officer. You are doing great work here. BZ to ya’!
Beautifully spoken Ward, you have a gift for bringing a story to life. I had the honor of meeting Chuck Yeager back in 85. He was the guest speaker at our graduation ceremony in Sheppard. Prior to the event we (our class) had a private meeting with him at the O'club. Sitting around in a circle, hearing him talk about his flying experiences, answering all the questions we young pilots had and all the time he did not behave like he was something special. He was a really down to earth guy, easy going, relaxed, he lived and breathed flying and that was fine with us, since it was the only thing we, as young pilots, could talk about anyway. Of course we all got our copies of his book signed with a personal message and that evening at the auditorium there was not a single seat available, the place was packed, people were even standing in the back of the theater. Think the whole training wing was present, everyone wanted to hear him speak about his flying experience and everyone wanted to meet him. I realized 'wow, this guy has done so much during his flying career, there is no way I will even be able to get close to a tenth of what he has done'. Absolutely amazing encounter. One more thing has stuck with me my whole life. One of our instructors had the honor of picking him up from his hometown in a T-38. Of course he let Yeager fly the whole trip (on the way to Sheppard and back out again) and all he said was: 'I have never seen such aircraft handling as Yeager has'. At that time Yeager was already in pension, not current on the T-38 (it was actually about 10 years after his official retirement), but he flew the plane with such precision and ease that even a seasoned instructor pilot had to say: 'he is still a better pilot than I am today'. Remarkable performance, a born aviator and a great honor to have been able to meet him. Blue skies.
Those older Air-Force guys were tough. I heard Robin Olds had more kills than is officially stated. He hid kills so he could stay in Vietnam... Later while at the Air-Force-Academy he would run the obstacle course with the cadets. That is so awesome. That generation was amazing.
I agree older generations were true men, we have been so feminized its shameful to even think we are anything like how men use to be! Its really odd how the system is making masculinity a thing to be ashamed of. People like Chuck would be arrested or made fun of these days in the military especially lol
Robin olds is the only glider pilot to shoot down a Bf-109. Ran his P-38 out of gas due to improper fuel tank selector position on his gun run on the Bf-109, shot the -109 down, restarted the P-38, and sallied forth! That’s a pilot!
A true American hero. I had the great privilege of meeting General Yeager when he was the keynote speaker at the Women in Aviation Conference held in San Diego a number of years ago. He remained with us for the duration of the conference. He enthusiastically mingled with us at the closing night banquet held at the San Diego Air and Space Museum, sharing his vast knowledge of many of the planes on display. Rest in Peace General.
Being a West Virginian, I've always been proud of the fact that I've had the opportunity to meet Mr Chuck Yeager twice during my life, and to also consider him a true American hero. Very personable, down to earth, easy to talk to, and who seemed to always come up with a few minutes to speak with his fellow West Virginians. RIP
I think the best thing about Yeager is, he made all of those accomplishments not to show off, or for the money, but because he absolutely LOVED flying, and he flew airplanes until he couldn't climb into an airplane anymore. He even taught his second wife, Victoria, to fly. And, he was damn good at it, too. I mean, how many pilots have you known that were passed up for becoming an astronaut because of a lack of a diploma, yet ended up helping to teach astronauts how to fly their spacecraft!? That right there says it all.
So well done, as I've come to expect from you. I agree, Chuck Yeager and my dad (102 last month) will always epitomise our greatest generation for me, when great people did the right thing because they were called by their abilities and circumstances to do it well.
"... well done ...", I've known and worked with many naval and Marine aviators in ny 34 year career, one would expect no less, based on my personal experience. This is the sort of TH-cam content that keeps me up when I should be going to (well, in) bed.
I met Gen Chuck Yeager in Germany 1988 while in AFJROTC during a commencement ceremony for his grand children who attended my high school. He was a real laid back guy who was full of jokes and very easy to talk to.
Yeager's autobiography is one of the best books I've read. Incredible story. My aunt (a Navy pilot's wife) told us kids about Chuck Yeager one evening while we were watching the Bridges at Toko Ri. That was the first time I'd heard of him. Many years later when the Right Stuff was published the book really resonated with me. Thanks to the movie Yeager got the recognition he deserved. Finally got to see him fly at Edwards in '97. Good times...
"Square-jawed, ... no nonsense look..." a steely-eyed fighter pilot and one of America's great men! And you are absolutely right, there is no one like Chuck Yeager. Thanks for this.
I was an Army Brat living in Tokyo in 1948 when my Dad told me that Chuck Yeager had "broken the sound barrier". He was very proud that Yeager was, as we all were, a "West Virginia boy". In the '70s I found the nose of a B-29 carrying nose art inscribed "The Dutchess" in a local Tucson salvage yard. Rumor had it that it was one of the A-bomb planes so I set about trying to find about its history. Chuck Yeager was then president of a jet leasing company so I simply called him on the phone. He was on the phone for 45 minutes, very helpful and friendly but he could not recall "The Dutchess". He gave me the phone number of Chuck Sweeney and I also talked to him but without success in identifying that airplane. The opinion of these two men was that it may have been a research B-29 out of Los Alamos. RIP General Yeager, an accomplished pilot and a good man.
I read his book "Yeager" and he said he went to Muroc from Wright Pat as he was familiar with high pressure systems from working with his Dad who was a Gas Driller. His book also told of his friendship with Bob Hoover! And in his early days in the AAF rat racing in his P-39 around and around in the Meteor Crater! One time he bent the P-39's wing being so low he clipped a telephone pole. Yes he was a Natural Born Stick & Rudder man!
General Yeager used to enjoy fishing on the Kalama river, very close to where I grew up. In the late 1990s I managed the Pearson Air Museum on historic Pearson Field, Vancouver Washington.l He was a frequent visitor and would fly into Pearson where he would meet up with his fishing buddy and fishing rod designer Bob Reader. From my perch at the museum, I saw him waiting for his ride down at the gas pumps. He had been waiting a bit longer than usual, so I took advantage of the situation and walked down to talk with him. With the opportunity presenting itself, I invited General Yeager to a personalized tour of the facility. When his ride finally arrived, we parted ways, and I thanked him for his visit. I told him that it was a great pleasure to meet him, and he said the pleasure was all his, and, "Don't spin-in". Chuck Yeager...The Chuck Yeager... told me not to spin-in! So, do you think I am ever going to spin-in??? Not on your sweet little bippy!
In his autobiography which I read years ago, he talks about fishing for his favorite fish to eat. I believe it was a Golden Trout that can only be found in one of the western states… Utah perhaps? Made me hungry! 😉
You and I are the same age Mr. Carroll. You and I both know what "Make America Great Again" really means. You are blessed Mr. Carroll to have a diversity of Americans who love aviation, and love your episodes. I read Chuck Yeager's book. I loved it. I love all your episodes. Chuck Yeager visited McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis in the mid 1980s when I was an avionics engineer working there. He was a great American whose courage and intelligence advanced aviation for this country. He was another Jimmy Doolittle but better. I also knew some "Tuskegee Airmen" who knew Chuck Yeager. They all had this in common, they and Chuck Yeager would have never worn a "Make America Great Again" hat. He knew about the injustice and racial hatred and bigotry in this country. He flew in a segregated Army Air Corps. Chuck Yeager admitted to enduring prejudice against him because of his West Virginia accent and his "working poor" family background and his lack of a college education. He also admitted there were three reasons for his opportunities in America: he worked extremely hard to get good, he outworked everybody, and he was a "white man" in America. There was a "golden aviation age" era in America, which is what I hope you meant by "when America was great" with men like Chuck Yeager during that "golden aviation age" era. But there was never a time in America that was great for African Americans. Truth is Mr. Carroll, no white American who lives by "Love One Another" would ever agree with "Make America Great Again" or yearn to return to 1947 or the 1950s or any time in American history. Many young people of color are beginning to watch your episodes and are becoming inspired to serve their country as military aviators. But you know what "these young people" "will have to overcome" in addition to the incredible hard work required to become American military aviators. Chuck Yeager was one of those Americans who was truthful about this.
"I've been shot at, shot up, and shot down, but I still use AC Delco parts in my Corvette." I remember that commercial from long ago... I got the chance to meet General Yeager at the Dallas Safari Expo one year, get a picture with him, had it developed and blown up to an 8x10", and had him sign it the next day. What a great man with a great story. Thanks for sharing, Ward!
As a young helicopter pilot I read the book and about a month later I met him and his wife in the heliport in Sydney Australia. He was very generous with his time. I still have a photo of myself standing with him at the heliport. Great memory great man
Chuck Yeager was always a hero of mine. Just a "wouldn't quit" kinda guy. As a side note, Edwards air force base is named after a Canadian, born in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada RIP Chuck your kind will be sorely missed by all Dane
Thank You. I was NPQ from flight school (Marine). I later became an instrument rated private pilot with my own plane. Yeager was a living inspiration for me.
The Right Stuff and Yeager's own biography are two of the best books Ive have ever read. Anyway, Ive just discovered this channel and am enjoying the videos. Keep them coming.
In the mid 80's my dad was sick with cancer. My at the time girlfriend decided to look up Mrs. Yeager through 411, as a cancer survivor, and call her to see if she could send my copy of Yeager to her to have the General autograph it for me. They wound up speaking for an hour and became pen pals, something that doesn't exist anymore. Mrs. Yeager did have the General autograph my book and it is one of my most treasured possessions.
I can remember back in the 80's getting a copy of Chuck Yeager Flight Simulator and it was the hottest game in Australia at the time. It was on an Apple 2E computer. Personally this is the best channel on YT I have ever watched.
As someone who has read “The Right Stuff” a few times, and enjoyed it every time, thank you, Commander, for your interpretation, née slant, re: the great General Chuck Yeager. Our great Nation will forever miss this Hero.
I got my private pilots license while on Active Duty with the Army due to some things I'd read and seen about Chuck Yeager. He was an inspiration to many of us and as I age and can no longer fly, I still look at what he has done and I so enjoy your videos because they remind me of the love I have for aviation
I got into avation industry because of his book and the movie. I got to spend 33 years of my life working at Edwards, i have seen all the sites there where this testing took place. I got my pilot's ticket there at the aero club. Flying from the runway he used. He was a great American. I was inspired by him,and got to meet him shortly after his wife died when he toured our site on south base on the B-2 program. Herd him speak at a engineering awards dinner.
I’ve seen a couple of interviews with Eric Brown. Always humble, he described that someone had been through his flight history in detail & identified a handful of occasions where Brown could easily have died. Brown was able to recall in vivid detail what & how each had happened. An amazing gentleman, he was short of stature, and described how a taller peer had died of a broken neck, when an experimental type went violently out of control. Brown clearly had exceptional talents, but he claimed the most important attribute which allowed him to survive was preparation. He’d envisaged every circumstance he could & what he’d do about each. It’s all but impossible that anyone will beat Eric “Winkle” Brown’s tally of different types flown.
I got the pleasure of meeting him at DEN when he was flying somewhere commercially after riding in the F15 for his birthday. The CRJ200 crew I was talking with recognized him and like little schoolgirls we together worked up the courage to ask him for a picture, and of course he was happy to do so.
Ward this is a beautiful tribute!! I only recently watched The Right Stuff ( now starting to read) and at the same time I found a gently used copy of Gen. Yeager's autobiography. I've been reading it in small, savory bites, digesting his experience, his very living narratives, his wisdom. In fact some of his approaches to life, I have borrowed in the midst of chaos this year, and that attitude has helped push me over the top to success in a couple of situations! Gen. Yeager's legacy and wisdom and courage continue to inspire us, and always will. He was consistently just so cool, and calm, and witty,not to mention a Maverick. I often wonder if Tom Cruise's Maverick is not to some degree modeled on him! I loved his story about how he took the X1 up even with broken ribs !
You framed this so well -- what great looks like. Yeager embodied many qualities that may seem in short supply, today. Encouraging the right stuff is an opportunity that we can all share.
Great Video and much appreciated as well. 2020 was a sad year to begin with, and then hearing Chuck passed away, that was like another big part of our country was lost in the same year. The only good news is the man didn't have to see the extensive damage done to his country the following year and now in 2022. Same thing with my own father who passed away, and was also a flight test pilot at Edwards AFB back in the 50's, 60's, and 70's. Grew up around it and knew as a young boy how much these guys loved our country.
First book I read as around a 14 year old was Right Stuff. My daddy served 20 years as a surface warfare officer. My childhood dream was to attend USNA and become an aviator. But alas I never completed my academy application and didn’t have uncorrected 20/20 vision. Thoroughly enjoy your stories. Wish we were neighbors
Thank you very much, Ward, for this wonderful tribute to a truly humble and brave American Hero! I've read "The Right Stuff", watched and own the movie and read General Yeager's autobiography. I totally agree with you that 1947 was the greatest year in American history all due to the courage and devotion of The Greatest Generation. I am grateful to you and all of America's Military Aviators for serving in the tradition of such a great man as Chuck Yeager! My favorite quote from General Yeager's book is this: "There are old pilots, and there are bold pilots. But there's no old, bold pilots!". Keep up your great work! 🇺🇲
I do remember the story "The Right Stuff," and the A/C Delco commercials. Hearing the stories growing up in the eighties, I knew Chuck Yeager to truly be the stuff of legend indeed. I started my military career in the Navy, but really wanted to be in the Air Force in the worst way. My last year in high school (1989-1990), I was told by Air Force recruiters that they did not need people at that time. The Air Force was two hundred percent over manned at that time. People love the Air Force because of the glamour and legend of heroes like Chuck Yeager. I eventually got in the Air Force, as well as the opportunity to fly, and get a college degree. Talk about motivation, people like Chuck Yeager are truly inspiring. Another great Air Force legend I would consider to be actor Jimmy Stewart, who met Yeager in person.
Very good, Ward. Spot on. I have seen it all since 1950. We were great in the 50's 60's 70's 80's 90's 2000's 2010's.....................!!!!! Not so good now.
Fantastic episode Ward, about a Fantastic human being! Thank you so much for what you do! General Yeager was definitely a one of a kind. He really did have The Right Stuff!
With that last paragraph, you defined a great American. Making America great again would mean getting Americans, once more to have the kind of attitude Chuck had about life . I noticed as you were telling the story that, he usually had his major moments around September/October of the year. I was born to the end (29th) of August 1947. I got here just before Chuck broke the speed of sound. Ridley, according to the movie and the biography, was an engineer. He referred to Ridley as the slide rule man. He was the one who thought of using a piece of a broom stick to help Chuck close the hatch on the X-1 . According to the biography, he could see the enemy coming toward his squadron a full minute before any of them did ; this would give them the head start on the Germans and allow them to get up over them and take them by surprise from above . Of course, later as he got old, he lost the sharp eyes he had before (i read this statement from Glennis, his wife) . It must have been a thrill, at ninety something, to go up in a state of the art jet, even as a passenger. What a kick ! My favorite part of the movie is the first half, which is all about Chuck . I could skip the second part. There is a great part, when he sneaks a new jet that had just been made, the F-104 and takes it out without clearance for a test and ends up crashing it ! I don't know if this actually happened, but it's in the movie and it's awesome to watch that little silver "rocket" go zooming around till he tries to see how high he can take it and wrecks it . RIP, Chuck Yeager, thanks for everything .
BZ Mr. Carroll on a job well done paying tribute to such a great American! Chuck Yeager was one of my idols as a kid and one who's footsteps I followed in to go from Navy enlisted man to US Naval Flight Officer!
I’m a professional aviator. I’ve read Yeager several times as well as The Right Stuff. Gen. Yeager was an amazing man. His accomplishments could never be duplicated today.
Another great episode Ward. You tell a great story, and I mean that in the best sense. Like some other commenters here I too had the privilege of meeting General Yeager. He was the keynote speaker at the Women in Aviation Conference held in San Diego a number of years ago that I attended. He made himself available for photos and conversation after his speech. I treasure my photo with him. And in fact he remained around for the rest of the four-day conference. I think that shows his support for the next generation of aerospace professionals. He was seated at the table next to mine at the closing night banquet at the San Diego Air and Space Museum and enjoyed the aviation exhibits there afterward.
As impressive as his life story is, I'm somehow most impressed that he was somehow able to get an audience with Eisenhower while serving as an enlisted man. Can you imagine what 5 minutes of Eisenhower's time must have been worth at that point in history? That says so much about his character, you don't just muscle your way into that meeting, he must have been a hell of a guy.
Chuck Yeager was not enlisted when he met with Eisenhower. He was trained under the flying seargents program. Once these seargents get their wings they were promoted to Second Luitenent. Carol is wrong about this part.
@@williampeek7943, actually, you're mostly right. Not all enlisted pilots were commissioned on earning their wings. Those who were underage or had no schooling after high school often stayed enlisted and flew combat as enlisted. A second cousin once removed of mine enlisted right out of high school, was sent to flight training in the sergeants program, graduated with high marks and was sent to a bomber squadron, where he did a tour in North Africa and Italy, finishing up as an aircraft commander Sergeant with a 1st Lieutenant copilot and two Captains as navigator and bombardier. When they finished their tour they were given a plane to ferry back stateside with a couple Generals as passengers, one of whom was so impressed that he wanted that crew for his own personal plane. So Elton got his commission, arranged by the General and the crew flew him around the country selling war bonds, usually with one or more MOH winners, aces, or other heroes in tow to show to the crowds. The General was big on education, and for the rest of his career, kept sending Elton books to read and correspondence courses to take. When I was in the Navy in the early 70s I met an E9 Master Chief Naval Air Pilot who had been flying enlisted since early in WWII.
Thanks! I was a Navy Seabee, but I always had an interest in aviation, particularly Navy aviation. I took my Direct Commission Officer school at Pensacola and thoroughly enjoyed the museum. Ward, your videos are terrific. BZ.
Ward, really enjoy your show. My Dad was a test pilot and we knew the Yeagers since around 59. He’s older boys were my age so we were class mates and team mates at Edwards. Still get together with the older Yeager too this day. Living at Edwards during those days was the greatest. Glennis was a fantastic lady. You’re segment on Robin Olds, who I also knew, was excellent too.
Thank you for the tribute to this great man who is a huge contributor to where America is today in the aerospace world. I was present at that Mach 2 F-15E overflight and about 150' from the aircraft as he rolled up to show center, bounded down the ladder, and strode to the lectern. He was introduced by the base commander who read a letter from Pres. and Barbara Bush. When he spoke, I've never heard the flight line at Edwards/Armstrong so hushed.
My god, thank you for all these videos!! I stumbled across you searching for other videos on you tube and I’m hooked!! Thank you for your service, thank you for the stories and please keep doing what you’re doing!! 👍🏻
The Yeager autobiography is a good read too. Yeager talks about lots of his flights, including rides in the X-1 and it's issues with the bleeding edge technology, like the times where the X-1 refused to drop. It culminated in a sergeant wearing a oxygen mask and a parachute jumping on top of the X-1 and banging on the shackle with a tool trying to get it to drop, ready to drop with the X-1 if it did work. I gave my son a personalized and autographed copy that he still treasures.
Usually, and unfortunately we rarely realize the value of a person until they are gone. Chuck was such a legend everyone with a working brain knew there would never be another one... ever. I had already seen the video of him taking a ride at 89 before seeing this video, and I still remember one part like I watched it 10 minutes ago. Like you said, in a way that's "uniquely Yeager", he's talking to someone after climbing in the back. He points to the instruments and says to paraphrase, "That thang tells ya what your Angle of Attack is. What a stupid instrument. If you don't know what your AoA is you don't need to be flying.". What a boss.
You are the man Ward Carroll! My wife's Father walked to school in Hamlin West Virginia with Chuck. His P-51 used to be parked at Kanawha Airport in Charleston, West Virginia. I did a det on USS Nimitz 81-82 I'll never forget. Long live the US Navy!
I didn't know about General Yeagers passing last December 7th (ironic!) until this video. He was a personal hero of mine, it's even more raw because my wife passed just a week earlier on the 1st of last December. His life was such an inspiration as was he!
Thank you for your wonderful words about Gen. Chuck Yeager. He has been a hero to me since I was a kid and became enamored with military aircraft and the pilots like Chuck Yeager, Robin Olds, Pappy Boyington………..and so many to be named who came after those heroes of WWII. Your channel is what this nation needs so young people will know of men like them and yourself did exist and hung it out on the line so we still have the freedoms we have. Unfortunately those seem to be waning at an alarming rate which is a severe disservice to all the brave men who did their duty on land, sea and air. God Bless you and your enlightening tales of your time in the air and stories of others like you.
Thanks Sir I feel Proud for the way you convey Aviators Mystic and Devotion . First Lieutenant (Ret. ) Fighter Pilot / Airline Commander. Air Force of Chile.
I agree for sure. I only wish Ward would have put some photos and short clips during his 22 minutes about General Yeager. There are plenty of incredible photos of Mr. Yeager.
WARD,YOUR DEMEANOR AND CLASS IN STORY TELLING IS INCREDIBLE , TO YOUR CREDIT YOU CAME FROM THE RIGHT STUFF A USMC FATHER,YOU WENT IN TO HARMS WAY AND YOU MAKE US PROUD OF THE US NAVAL AVIATION AND OUR TIMES IN PAST SERVICE TO AMERICA. LIKE CHUCK YEAGER NEVER QUIT AND THE NATION AND FREEDOM PREVAILS.FREEDOM IS NOT FREE.(SEMPER- FI)
December 7 1941 a day every American should learn and never forget.....An Chuck Yeager passed away December 7...America heart is ice cold and let it never melt before our enemy's....Thanks Ward....!
Brother, I could watch and listen to you read a phone book. I am highly enamored of listening to anyone who can organize their thoughts in their mind and extemporize them with near seamless precision. Bravo. Bravo E Pluribus Unum
Please dont forget about Chucks Wingman Bob Hover. Not many folks in the world lived to tell about an escape from a German POW camp and steeling a FW190 to fly to Halland. My old man worked for Rockwell space division. My Dad took me to work one day and introduced me too this tall man that flew a bright yellow Mustang.
Great video! I've seen a few more than a few videos about Chuck Yeager. The back story you give, fills in a lot of thing that a video can not accomplish . Thank You.
Thank you Mr Carroll. I have only just picked up his autobiography a few days ago and it is an inspiring read so far. The man was and is a legend. Cheers.
Thanks for giving some special recognition to America's GOAT in the fighter cockpit. As a kid I loved reading about his aerial exploits and maybe twenty years ago ran across the Yeager autobiography in a bin of books being given away at the library. Read and loved it; it seemed so candid and "real". Just found your channel today via a TH-cam recommendation and have enjoyed several of the presentations. Thanks for taking the time to share.
As a child I had no idea who Mr. Yeager was.... all I knew was he was the guy from my video game who popped up to give you tips on how to fly and defeat the enemy! Only years later would I realize that the man from that game was real and most likely one of if not the best fighter pilots to ever live! Great Story and job Mr.Caroll. 👏 👍 👌
When you started talking about the make America great again slogan, I started to get nervous… But you landed the thought beautifully. I guess that makes sense, since you’ve made a career of landing tomcats on aircraft carriers! A great tribute to a great American. Thank you!
Ward, as I watched this video I couldn't help but get teary eyed. I spend most of my adult life in the Navy around fighter aircraft as a maintainer and became a private pilot along the way. I can remember very vividly talking to Chuck Yeager one on one at the Oshkosh Flyin many years ago. He and one of his best friends, Bob Hoover would drive around the Oshkosh grounds in a golf cart and one time they stopped by the Ultralight field and started talking to myself and another general aviation guy about Ultralight Aircraft. I still am amazed at this fact that here is a guy that broke the sound barrier but still wanted to talk and watch Ultralight Aircraft. He was and will always remain a pilots pilot. He autographed my book "Chuck Yeager" that day at a book signing and is my most treasured aviation item. I still remember his comment during a safety talk. In an emergency always fly the airplane first then deal with the situation. Sorry this was so long. Thank you for a great tribute.
Yes he's my greatest HERO why I wanted to FLY after TOP GUN Chuck was my greatest inspiration. Bob Hoover is the other. He was a natural
Many pilots for first rule FLY THE AC FIRST and foremost most important item. Watxh air disasters on TV and the biggest thing I see they don't do is FLY THE AIRCRAFT Many pilots flew into mountains because they go back to basics aviate navigate communicate
How they can get lost FLY into mountains is just mind boggling not knowing your MCA Is like not knowing you V SPEEDS and stalling cause opps you didn't know
Always amazed me that Chuck was ONLY a brigadier.
@@soonerfrac4611 he was a flier. They only made him a STAR at the end of his career cause once he became a BRIG it’s definitely all over on the flight line no more flights no more flying. NOPE. I bet he turned down many chances of advancing just to say flying
@@soonerfrac4611 I never got the impression that he was a politician...
@@AerobaticsPilot Even Yeager credits Bob Hoover with being the best pilot ever. And Yeager was never known for modesty. LOL Don't get me wrong, Yeager was great and it's not bragging if you can back it up, and he could!
I worshipped General Yeager as a kid after seeing The Right Stuff in the early 80s. My father hunted down some means by which to contact the General asking for an autograph. My dad had no idea if the letter sent would even be answered.
Sure enough 4 months later a beautiful black and white autographed photo of Chuck in full flight gear standing in front of a Tiger shark II arrived. It hangs in my office to this day.
I had the honor of meeting General Yeager at Oshkosh in 1995. What an awesome experience. The next spring I had the honor of meeting Colonel Bud Anderson at Sun N' Fun. AMAZING memories. ❤️🫡😎👍
EDIT off by a year, 1994 and 1995. 😁
A couple of corrections. He was promoted to flight officer (equivalent to warrant officer) after graduating from pilot training at Luke Field. He subsequently was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant and ended the war as a captain. There were other flying sergeants during the war, and most of them became either flight officers or received a commission. Also, even though he never graduated from the AF test pilot school (because it didn't exist at the time), later in his career he was the commanding officer of that school.
Ward,
I had the honor and privilege along with my son to meet him at the grand opening of the Cabalas in Wheeling, WV.
He was gracious and friendly considering all the people lined up to meet him, more so when he found out I was retired Navy. My son still cherishes the autographed Cabalas catalogue he received along with the numerous photos he took with us......R.I.P. General Yeager, they don't make 'em like that anymore.
Amazing. I've met Chuck, I was 5 years old but dad was a Squadron Leader in the RNZAF and we were at an airshow at Whenuapai Air force base. You could spot this guy a mile away and he just bowled straight up to dad and I and introduced himself. Now my dad doesn't get phased by too much but I still remember the look of total astonishment on his face, and to this day I still remember vividly meeting him. He just exuded charisma, looking back it was a massive honour.
Chuck Yeager was my 2nd cousin, once removed. Pretty cool. This knowledge came in handy once in Tech School at the Medina Annex in San Antonio. On a Friday afternoon assembly our shirt asked a trivia question, and if we answered correctly the entire student population was allowed to go back to the dorms early. "Who was the first person to break the sound barrier?" My arm shot up and I was called on. I said " Chuck Yeager, have a good weekend!" Fun stuff. Miss those days.
Interestingly enough Chuck Yeager was the first to be officially recorded breaking it in level flight. But is unlikely to have been the first person to ever do it. There are plausible claims as far back as 1942 of pilots having broken the sound barrier in dives, and even some (less plausible) claims from German and British Jets that broke it in level flight.
That's a great story haha!
Fascinating story Ward. My father went to flight school with Gen. Yeager, class of 43C. They did not know each other because my dad went to the P-38 program instead of single-engine fighters. My dad ended up with 6 confirmed victories in the Lightning. About 10 years ago I had an e-mail exchange with Gen. Yeager. I told him that I had a set of orders with both his name and my dad’s name appointing them as pilots. He, Yeager, enthusiastically asked me for a copy of the orders which I did email to him! Yeager was appointed a Flight Officer, roughly the equivalent to today’s Warrant Officer. My father received a commission as a 2Lt.. The class of 1943 was one of the first “Flying Sergeants” classes in the Air Corps. As resources became scarce, the Flying Sergeant program went away and everyone received either a commission or an appointment as a Flight Officer. You are doing great work here. BZ to ya’!
Beautifully spoken Ward, you have a gift for bringing a story to life.
I had the honor of meeting Chuck Yeager back in 85. He was the guest speaker at our graduation ceremony in Sheppard. Prior to the event we (our class) had a private meeting with him at the O'club. Sitting around in a circle, hearing him talk about his flying experiences, answering all the questions we young pilots had and all the time he did not behave like he was something special. He was a really down to earth guy, easy going, relaxed, he lived and breathed flying and that was fine with us, since it was the only thing we, as young pilots, could talk about anyway. Of course we all got our copies of his book signed with a personal message and that evening at the auditorium there was not a single seat available, the place was packed, people were even standing in the back of the theater. Think the whole training wing was present, everyone wanted to hear him speak about his flying experience and everyone wanted to meet him. I realized 'wow, this guy has done so much during his flying career, there is no way I will even be able to get close to a tenth of what he has done'. Absolutely amazing encounter. One more thing has stuck with me my whole life. One of our instructors had the honor of picking him up from his hometown in a T-38. Of course he let Yeager fly the whole trip (on the way to Sheppard and back out again) and all he said was: 'I have never seen such aircraft handling as Yeager has'. At that time Yeager was already in pension, not current on the T-38 (it was actually about 10 years after his official retirement), but he flew the plane with such precision and ease that even a seasoned instructor pilot had to say: 'he is still a better pilot than I am today'. Remarkable performance, a born aviator and a great honor to have been able to meet him.
Blue skies.
Those older Air-Force guys were tough. I heard Robin Olds had more kills than is officially stated. He hid kills so he could stay in Vietnam...
Later while at the Air-Force-Academy he would run the obstacle course with the cadets. That is so awesome. That generation was amazing.
Yeah I love Robin olds I tried for years to get his mustache That's a real fighter pilot mustache
I agree older generations were true men, we have been so feminized its shameful to even think we are anything like how men use to be! Its really odd how the system is making masculinity a thing to be ashamed of. People like Chuck would be arrested or made fun of these days in the military especially lol
Robin olds is the only glider pilot to shoot down a Bf-109. Ran his P-38 out of gas due to improper fuel tank selector position on his gun run on the Bf-109, shot the -109 down, restarted the P-38, and sallied forth! That’s a pilot!
A true American hero. I had the great privilege of meeting General Yeager when he was the keynote speaker at the Women in Aviation Conference held in San Diego a number of years ago. He remained with us for the duration of the conference. He enthusiastically mingled with us at the closing night banquet held at the San Diego Air and Space Museum, sharing his vast knowledge of many of the planes on display. Rest in Peace General.
Being a West Virginian, I've always been proud of the fact that I've had the opportunity to meet Mr Chuck Yeager twice during my life, and to also consider him a true American hero. Very personable, down to earth, easy to talk to, and who seemed to always come up with a few minutes to speak with his fellow West Virginians. RIP
Let's go Mountaineers! I was born in Logan in '85
Being a West Virginian as well we always learned about Yeager and the Rocket Boys, unfortunately never had the chance to meet him before he died
I think the best thing about Yeager is, he made all of those accomplishments not to show off, or for the money, but because he absolutely LOVED flying, and he flew airplanes until he couldn't climb into an airplane anymore. He even taught his second wife, Victoria, to fly.
And, he was damn good at it, too.
I mean, how many pilots have you known that were passed up for becoming an astronaut because of a lack of a diploma, yet ended up helping to teach astronauts how to fly their spacecraft!?
That right there says it all.
So well done, as I've come to expect from you. I agree, Chuck Yeager and my dad (102 last month) will always epitomise our greatest generation for me, when great people did the right thing because they were called by their abilities and circumstances to do it well.
"... well done ...", I've known and worked with many naval and Marine aviators in ny 34 year career, one would expect no less, based on my personal experience. This is the sort of TH-cam content that keeps me up when I should be going to (well, in) bed.
“If Chuck Yeager didn’t exist, Hollywood would have had to invent him” - right on, Ward!
I met Gen Chuck Yeager in Germany 1988 while in AFJROTC during a commencement ceremony for his grand children who attended my high school. He was a real laid back guy who was full of jokes and very easy to talk to.
Yeager's autobiography is one of the best books I've read. Incredible story.
My aunt (a Navy pilot's wife) told us kids about Chuck Yeager one evening
while we were watching the Bridges at Toko Ri. That was the first time I'd heard of him.
Many years later when the Right Stuff was published the book really resonated with me.
Thanks to the movie Yeager got the recognition he deserved. Finally got to see him fly
at Edwards in '97. Good times...
"Square-jawed, ... no nonsense look..." a steely-eyed fighter pilot and one of America's great men! And you are absolutely right, there is no one like Chuck Yeager. Thanks for this.
I was an Army Brat living in Tokyo in 1948 when my Dad told me that Chuck Yeager had "broken the sound barrier". He was very proud that Yeager was, as we all were, a "West Virginia boy". In the '70s I found the nose of a B-29 carrying nose art inscribed "The Dutchess" in a local Tucson salvage yard. Rumor had it that it was one of the A-bomb planes so I set about trying to find about its history. Chuck Yeager was then president of a jet leasing company so I simply called him on the phone. He was on the phone for 45 minutes, very helpful and friendly but he could not recall "The Dutchess". He gave me the phone number of Chuck Sweeney and I also talked to him but without success in identifying that airplane. The opinion of these two men was that it may have been a research B-29 out of Los Alamos.
RIP General Yeager, an accomplished pilot and a good man.
I read his book "Yeager" and he said he went to Muroc from Wright Pat as he was familiar with high pressure systems from working with his Dad who was a Gas Driller. His book also told of his friendship with Bob Hoover! And in his early days in the AAF rat racing in his P-39 around and around in the Meteor Crater! One time he bent the P-39's wing being so low he clipped a telephone pole. Yes he was a Natural Born Stick & Rudder man!
General Yeager used to enjoy fishing on the Kalama river, very close to where I grew up. In the late 1990s I managed the Pearson Air Museum on historic Pearson Field, Vancouver Washington.l He was a frequent visitor and would fly into Pearson where he would meet up with his fishing buddy and fishing rod designer Bob Reader. From my perch at the museum, I saw him waiting for his ride down at the gas pumps. He had been waiting a bit longer than usual, so I took advantage of the situation and walked down to talk with him. With the opportunity presenting itself, I invited General Yeager to a personalized tour of the facility. When his ride finally arrived, we parted ways, and I thanked him for his visit. I told him that it was a great pleasure to meet him, and he said the pleasure was all his, and, "Don't spin-in". Chuck Yeager...The Chuck Yeager... told me not to spin-in! So, do you think I am ever going to spin-in??? Not on your sweet little bippy!
In his autobiography which I read years ago, he talks about fishing for his favorite fish to eat. I believe it was a Golden Trout that can only be found in one of the western states… Utah perhaps? Made me hungry! 😉
You and I are the same age Mr. Carroll. You and I both know what "Make America Great Again" really means. You are blessed Mr. Carroll to have a diversity of Americans who love aviation, and love your episodes. I read Chuck Yeager's book. I loved it. I love all your episodes. Chuck Yeager visited McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis in the mid 1980s when I was an avionics engineer working there. He was a great American whose courage and intelligence advanced aviation for this country. He was another Jimmy Doolittle but better. I also knew some "Tuskegee Airmen" who knew Chuck Yeager. They all had this in common, they and Chuck Yeager would have never worn a "Make America Great Again" hat. He knew about the injustice and racial hatred and bigotry in this country. He flew in a segregated Army Air Corps. Chuck Yeager admitted to enduring prejudice against him because of his West Virginia accent and his "working poor" family background and his lack of a college education. He also admitted there were three reasons for his opportunities in America: he worked extremely hard to get good, he outworked everybody, and he was a "white man" in America. There was a "golden aviation age" era in America, which is what I hope you meant by "when America was great" with men like Chuck Yeager during that "golden aviation age" era. But there was never a time in America that was great for African Americans. Truth is Mr. Carroll, no white American who lives by "Love One Another" would ever agree with "Make America Great Again" or yearn to return to 1947 or the 1950s or any time in American history. Many young people of color are beginning to watch your episodes and are becoming inspired to serve their country as military aviators. But you know what "these young people" "will have to overcome" in addition to the incredible hard work required to become American military aviators. Chuck Yeager was one of those Americans who was truthful about this.
I remember asking for and receiving his autobiography for my 14th birthday. The man was a legend!
"I've been shot at, shot up, and shot down, but I still use AC Delco parts in my Corvette." I remember that commercial from long ago... I got the chance to meet General Yeager at the Dallas Safari Expo one year, get a picture with him, had it developed and blown up to an 8x10", and had him sign it the next day. What a great man with a great story. Thanks for sharing, Ward!
As a young helicopter pilot I read the book and about a month later I met him and his wife in the heliport in Sydney Australia. He was very generous with his time. I still have a photo of myself standing with him at the heliport. Great memory great man
Chuck Yeager was always a hero of mine. Just a "wouldn't quit" kinda guy. As a side note, Edwards air force base is named after a Canadian, born in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada RIP Chuck your kind will be sorely missed by all Dane
Thank You. I was NPQ from flight school (Marine). I later became an instrument rated private pilot with my own plane. Yeager was a living inspiration for me.
The Right Stuff and Yeager's own biography are two of the best books Ive have ever read.
Anyway, Ive just discovered this channel and am enjoying the videos. Keep them coming.
Welcome aboard, Chris!
In the mid 80's my dad was sick with cancer. My at the time girlfriend decided to look up Mrs. Yeager through 411, as a cancer survivor, and call her to see if she could send my copy of Yeager to her to have the General autograph it for me. They wound up speaking for an hour and became pen pals, something that doesn't exist anymore. Mrs. Yeager did have the General autograph my book and it is one of my most treasured possessions.
Best obituary I have ever been privileged to hear and be continually in awe of.
Thank You:
Chuck Yeager
1923 - 2020
R I P
Great presentation Ward... He was an amazing man.... The more we study his background and spirit, the more he fits the image of an American Hero.
I can remember back in the 80's getting a copy of Chuck Yeager Flight Simulator and it was the hottest game in Australia at the time. It was on an Apple 2E computer. Personally this is the best channel on YT I have ever watched.
It was one of the best flight sims for me when I was growing up. (Aust Too)
As someone who has read “The Right Stuff” a few times, and enjoyed it every time, thank you, Commander, for your interpretation, née slant, re: the great General Chuck Yeager. Our great Nation will forever miss this Hero.
I got my private pilots license while on Active Duty with the Army due to some things I'd read and seen about Chuck Yeager. He was an inspiration to many of us and as I age and can no longer fly, I still look at what he has done and I so enjoy your videos because they remind me of the love I have for aviation
I got into avation industry because of his book and the movie. I got to spend 33 years of my life working at Edwards, i have seen all the sites there where this testing took place. I got my pilot's ticket there at the aero club. Flying from the runway he used. He was a great American. I was inspired by him,and got to meet him shortly after his wife died when he toured our site on south base on the B-2 program. Herd him speak at a engineering awards dinner.
Although this is a US focused channel could you have a look at Eric ‘Winkle’ Brown. A UK test pilot who flew 487 types.
I’ve seen a couple of interviews with Eric Brown. Always humble, he described that someone had been through his flight history in detail & identified a handful of occasions where Brown could easily have died. Brown was able to recall in vivid detail what & how each had happened. An amazing gentleman, he was short of stature, and described how a taller peer had died of a broken neck, when an experimental type went violently out of control. Brown clearly had exceptional talents, but he claimed the most important attribute which allowed him to survive was preparation. He’d envisaged every circumstance he could & what he’d do about each.
It’s all but impossible that anyone will beat Eric “Winkle” Brown’s tally of different types flown.
Another aviation legend
Eric Brown and Hanna Reitsch 2 best test pilots in my opinion (greater than Yager without a doubt)
I got the pleasure of meeting him at DEN when he was flying somewhere commercially after riding in the F15 for his birthday. The CRJ200 crew I was talking with recognized him and like little schoolgirls we together worked up the courage to ask him for a picture, and of course he was happy to do so.
Ward this is a beautiful tribute!! I only recently watched The Right Stuff ( now starting to read) and at the same time I found a gently used copy of Gen. Yeager's autobiography. I've been reading it in small, savory bites, digesting his experience, his very living narratives, his wisdom. In fact some of his approaches to life, I have borrowed in the midst of chaos this year, and that attitude has helped push me over the top to success in a couple of situations! Gen. Yeager's legacy and wisdom and courage continue to inspire us, and always will. He was consistently just so cool, and calm, and witty,not to mention a Maverick. I often wonder if Tom Cruise's Maverick is not to some degree modeled on him! I loved his story about how he took the X1 up even with broken ribs !
You framed this so well -- what great looks like. Yeager embodied many qualities that may seem in short supply, today. Encouraging the right stuff is an opportunity that we can all share.
I read Yeager many years ago. Your honoring him was excellent and on the mark. Thanks.
Thank you for your kind and heartfelt words regarding Chuck Yeager. It's important to learn the amazing circumstances surrounding his life.
Very lucky to have been given a signed copy of his autobiography. Blue skies and tailwinds Chuck!
Ward, I think that was one of the best off the cuff descriptions of Gen Yeager!! I really like your content! Keep up the great work.
Great Video and much appreciated as well. 2020 was a sad year to begin with, and then hearing Chuck passed away, that was like another big part of our country was lost in the same year. The only good news is the man didn't have to see the extensive damage done to his country the following year and now in 2022. Same thing with my own father who passed away, and was also a flight test pilot at Edwards AFB back in the 50's, 60's, and 70's. Grew up around it and knew as a young boy how much these guys loved our country.
First book I read as around a 14 year old was Right Stuff. My daddy served 20 years as a surface warfare officer. My childhood dream was to attend USNA and become an aviator. But alas I never completed my academy application and didn’t have uncorrected 20/20 vision. Thoroughly enjoy your stories. Wish we were neighbors
Thank you very much, Ward, for this wonderful tribute to a truly humble and brave American Hero! I've read "The Right Stuff", watched and own the movie and read General Yeager's autobiography. I totally agree with you that 1947 was the greatest year in American history all due to the courage and devotion of The Greatest Generation. I am grateful to you and all of America's Military Aviators for serving in the tradition of such a great man as Chuck Yeager! My favorite quote from General Yeager's book is this: "There are old pilots, and there are bold pilots. But there's no old, bold pilots!". Keep up your great work! 🇺🇲
A beautiful tribute to the man who inspired me to chase my dream of being a fighter pilot in the USAF.
Chuck Yeager ... Great human being ... Immense courage ... Absolute flying skill ... an inspiration to pilots, long after we are gone.
You are a fantastic storyteller!! I ran across you’re channel about a month ago. Cant wait to hear more stories!
I do remember the story "The Right Stuff," and the A/C Delco commercials. Hearing the stories growing up in the eighties, I knew Chuck Yeager to truly be the stuff of legend indeed. I started my military career in the Navy, but really wanted to be in the Air Force in the worst way. My last year in high school (1989-1990), I was told by Air Force recruiters that they did not need people at that time. The Air Force was two hundred percent over manned at that time. People love the Air Force because of the glamour and legend of heroes like Chuck Yeager. I eventually got in the Air Force, as well as the opportunity to fly, and get a college degree. Talk about motivation, people like Chuck Yeager are truly inspiring. Another great Air Force legend I would consider to be actor Jimmy Stewart, who met Yeager in person.
Chuck Yeager fellow West Virginian and great American hero. Great tribute Ward!
I love this tribute. Tear jerker. You're the best Ward!
Very good, Ward. Spot on. I have seen it all since 1950. We were great in the 50's 60's 70's 80's 90's 2000's 2010's.....................!!!!! Not so good now.
Fantastic episode Ward, about a Fantastic human being! Thank you so much for what you do! General Yeager was definitely a one of a kind. He really did have The Right Stuff!
With that last paragraph, you defined a great American. Making America great again would mean getting Americans, once more to have the kind of attitude Chuck had about life . I noticed as you were telling the story that, he usually had his major moments around September/October of the year. I was born to the end (29th) of August 1947. I got here just before Chuck broke the speed of sound. Ridley, according to the movie and the biography, was an engineer. He referred to Ridley as the slide rule man. He was the one who thought of using a piece of a broom stick to help Chuck close the hatch on the X-1 .
According to the biography, he could see the enemy coming toward his squadron a full minute before any of them did ; this would give them the head start on the Germans and allow them to get up over them and take them by surprise from above .
Of course, later as he got old, he lost the sharp eyes he had before (i read this statement from Glennis, his wife) .
It must have been a thrill, at ninety something, to go up in a state of the art jet, even as a passenger. What a kick !
My favorite part of the movie is the first half, which is all about Chuck . I could skip the second part. There is a great part, when he sneaks a new jet that had just been made, the F-104 and takes it out without clearance for a test and ends up crashing it ! I don't know if this actually happened, but it's in the movie and it's awesome to watch that little silver "rocket" go zooming around till he tries to see how high he can take it and wrecks it . RIP, Chuck Yeager, thanks for everything .
Awesome tribute, Chuck was and is an American hero.
BZ Mr. Carroll on a job well done paying tribute to such a great American! Chuck Yeager was one of my idols as a kid and one who's footsteps I followed in to go from Navy enlisted man to US Naval Flight Officer!
Thank you sir for this video. Uncle general Chuck Yeager was my great uncle. And I am so proud to say that and loved the movie The Right Stuff
I’m a professional aviator. I’ve read Yeager several times as well as The Right Stuff. Gen. Yeager was an amazing man. His accomplishments could never be duplicated today.
Another great episode Ward. You tell a great story, and I mean that in the best sense.
Like some other commenters here I too had the privilege of meeting General Yeager. He was the keynote speaker at the Women in Aviation Conference held in San Diego a number of years ago that I attended. He made himself available for photos and conversation after his speech. I treasure my photo with him. And in fact he remained around for the rest of the four-day conference. I think that shows his support for the next generation of aerospace professionals. He was seated at the table next to mine at the closing night banquet at the San Diego Air and Space Museum and enjoyed the aviation exhibits there afterward.
As impressive as his life story is, I'm somehow most impressed that he was somehow able to get an audience with Eisenhower while serving as an enlisted man. Can you imagine what 5 minutes of Eisenhower's time must have been worth at that point in history? That says so much about his character, you don't just muscle your way into that meeting, he must have been a hell of a guy.
Indeed
Chuck Yeager was not enlisted when he met with Eisenhower. He was trained under the flying seargents program. Once these seargents get their wings they were promoted to Second Luitenent. Carol is wrong about this part.
@@williampeek7943, actually, you're mostly right. Not all enlisted pilots were commissioned on earning their wings. Those who were underage or had no schooling after high school often stayed enlisted and flew combat as enlisted. A second cousin once removed of mine enlisted right out of high school, was sent to flight training in the sergeants program, graduated with high marks and was sent to a bomber squadron, where he did a tour in North Africa and Italy, finishing up as an aircraft commander Sergeant with a 1st Lieutenant copilot and two Captains as navigator and bombardier. When they finished their tour they were given a plane to ferry back stateside with a couple Generals as passengers, one of whom was so impressed that he wanted that crew for his own personal plane. So Elton got his commission, arranged by the General and the crew flew him around the country selling war bonds, usually with one or more MOH winners, aces, or other heroes in tow to show to the crowds. The General was big on education, and for the rest of his career, kept sending Elton books to read and correspondence courses to take.
When I was in the Navy in the early 70s I met an E9 Master Chief Naval Air Pilot who had been flying enlisted since early in WWII.
Thanks! I was a Navy Seabee, but I always had an interest in aviation, particularly Navy aviation. I took my Direct Commission Officer school at Pensacola and thoroughly enjoyed the museum. Ward, your videos are terrific. BZ.
Phenomenal biographical video documentary, my friend!!! Simply remarkable!!! God bless!!! Chuck Knight from Buffalo, Texas. 👨🌾✝️🙏🖖
Ward, really enjoy your show. My Dad was a test pilot and we knew the Yeagers since around 59. He’s older boys were my age so we were class mates and team mates at Edwards. Still get together with the older Yeager too this day. Living at Edwards during those days was the greatest. Glennis was a fantastic lady. You’re segment on Robin Olds, who I also knew, was excellent too.
Great Tribute to Chuck Yeager…thanks for posting this!
Thank you for the tribute to this great man who is a huge contributor to where America is today in the aerospace world.
I was present at that Mach 2 F-15E overflight and about 150' from the aircraft as he rolled up to show center, bounded down the ladder, and strode to the lectern. He was introduced by the base commander who read a letter from Pres. and Barbara Bush. When he spoke, I've never heard the flight line at Edwards/Armstrong so hushed.
Thanks! Researching some old shows, this one is GREAT!!!
My god, thank you for all these videos!! I stumbled across you searching for other videos on you tube and I’m hooked!! Thank you for your service, thank you for the stories and please keep doing what you’re doing!! 👍🏻
You are most definitely providing an education that every American needs..!! Also, I love the Gibson guitar and Marshal amp in the background..
Very nice ! Splendid tribute to a pillar of aviation. Thank you!
The Yeager autobiography is a good read too. Yeager talks about lots of his flights, including rides in the X-1 and it's issues with the bleeding edge technology, like the times where the X-1 refused to drop. It culminated in a sergeant wearing a oxygen mask and a parachute jumping on top of the X-1 and banging on the shackle with a tool trying to get it to drop, ready to drop with the X-1 if it did work. I gave my son a personalized and autographed copy that he still treasures.
Usually, and unfortunately we rarely realize the value of a person until they are gone. Chuck was such a legend everyone with a working brain knew there would never be another one... ever. I had already seen the video of him taking a ride at 89 before seeing this video, and I still remember one part like I watched it 10 minutes ago. Like you said, in a way that's "uniquely Yeager", he's talking to someone after climbing in the back. He points to the instruments and says to paraphrase, "That thang tells ya what your Angle of Attack is. What a stupid instrument. If you don't know what your AoA is you don't need to be flying.". What a boss.
As an aviation buff I already knew everything you said. But I listened to your every word. I don't think anyone could have said it better.
You are the man Ward Carroll! My wife's Father walked to school in Hamlin West Virginia with Chuck. His P-51 used to be parked at Kanawha Airport in Charleston, West Virginia. I did a det on USS Nimitz 81-82 I'll never forget. Long live the US Navy!
I know you know where NKT is. Backseat driver.
F-14's rule!!!!
I didn't know about General Yeagers passing last December 7th (ironic!) until this video. He was a personal hero of mine, it's even more raw because my wife passed just a week earlier on the 1st of last December.
His life was such an inspiration as was he!
Thanks for this video. Great men deserve great respect.
Thank you for your wonderful words about Gen. Chuck Yeager. He has been a hero to me since I was a kid and became enamored with military aircraft and the pilots like Chuck Yeager, Robin Olds, Pappy Boyington………..and so many to be named who came after those heroes of WWII. Your channel is what this nation needs so young people will know of men like them and yourself did exist and hung it out on the line so we still have the freedoms we have. Unfortunately those seem to be waning at an alarming rate which is a severe disservice to all the brave men who did their duty on land, sea and air. God Bless you and your enlightening tales of your time in the air and stories of others like you.
Man, that final line was a piece of art. Love your stuff Ward, thanks for all the content
Thanks Sir
I feel Proud for the way you convey Aviators Mystic and Devotion .
First Lieutenant (Ret. )
Fighter Pilot / Airline Commander.
Air Force of Chile.
This was a great recap on Chuck Yeager's life and legacy, thanks for the video!
I agree for sure. I only wish Ward would have put some photos and short clips during his 22 minutes about General Yeager. There are plenty of incredible photos of Mr. Yeager.
The best video on Chuck Yeager I've seen.
WARD,YOUR DEMEANOR AND CLASS IN STORY TELLING IS INCREDIBLE , TO YOUR CREDIT YOU CAME FROM
THE RIGHT STUFF A USMC FATHER,YOU WENT IN TO HARMS WAY AND YOU MAKE US PROUD OF
THE US NAVAL AVIATION AND OUR TIMES IN PAST SERVICE TO AMERICA. LIKE CHUCK YEAGER NEVER QUIT
AND THE NATION AND FREEDOM PREVAILS.FREEDOM IS NOT FREE.(SEMPER- FI)
December 7 1941 a day every American should learn and never forget.....An Chuck Yeager passed away December 7...America heart is ice cold and let it never melt before our enemy's....Thanks Ward....!
Wow the emotion was palpable Mooch. Great tribute
There are a few people that have been truly "one of a kind", and Chuck Yeager was certainly one I'll never forget. Excellent tribute, Ward.
Brother, I could watch and listen to you read a phone book. I am highly enamored of listening to anyone who can organize their thoughts in their mind and extemporize them with near seamless precision. Bravo. Bravo
E Pluribus Unum
Please dont forget about Chucks Wingman Bob Hover. Not many folks in the world lived to tell about an escape from a German POW camp and steeling a FW190 to fly to Halland. My old man worked for Rockwell space division. My Dad took me to work one day and introduced me too this tall man that flew a bright yellow Mustang.
Great video! I've seen a few more than a few videos about Chuck Yeager. The back story you give, fills in a lot of thing that a video can not accomplish . Thank You.
Thank you Mr Carroll. I have only just picked up his autobiography a few days ago and it is an inspiring read so far. The man was and is a legend. Cheers.
Another great video, thank you Ward
Thanks for giving some special recognition to America's GOAT in the fighter cockpit. As a kid I loved reading about his aerial exploits and maybe twenty years ago ran across the Yeager autobiography in a bin of books being given away at the library. Read and loved it; it seemed so candid and "real". Just found your channel today via a TH-cam recommendation and have enjoyed several of the presentations. Thanks for taking the time to share.
BZ, Ward. Great tribute to a great Man. Thanks.
As a child I had no idea who Mr. Yeager was.... all I knew was he was the guy from my video game who popped up to give you tips on how to fly and defeat the enemy! Only years later would I realize that the man from that game was real and most likely one of if not the best fighter pilots to ever live! Great Story and job Mr.Caroll. 👏 👍 👌
Fantastic video on a wonderfully talented and brave man - Thank you Ward
Excellent presentation on this Memorial Day 2021.
I read his autobiography and never knew all the things that you are revealing in this program. Ward, you always dazzle me ad exceed expectations!
Dad said the same about going 'through' the sound barrier in the 106. Smooth as silk.
I am presently reading Yeager. A great book !! Cheers, Michael McEwan
When you started talking about the make America great again slogan, I started to get nervous… But you landed the thought beautifully. I guess that makes sense, since you’ve made a career of landing tomcats on aircraft carriers! A great tribute to a great American. Thank you!
Thanks!
Thank you so much for this insight into a truly great man.