Many people are familiar with a part of Chuck Yeager’s life from the movie “The Right Stuff.” Let’s say that, while very entertaining, the movie does not get everything right. The real story is even more interesting.
Chuck’s adventures in through World War II would alone also make an almost unbelievable movie. Chuck was a double ace and once shot down five planes in one day. On top of that he bailed out and had a harrowing escape through the underground. Amazing.
When Chuck broke the sound barrier after the war, he was only, by my count 24 or 25. He then had more test flying, and then led squadrons in Germany and elsewhere. All along the way, he met the icons of the age and had many colorful friends and admirers, including Pancho Barnes and Jackie Cochran. There is just one amazing story after another.
The book ends in the 1980s. As this review is written, Chuck is still with us at 97. A true American hero.
This is a great book. The narration is mainly in the first person by “Chuck” with excerpts from his wife Glynnis and others. It is well done.