Chuck Yeager Bio: Age, Cause of Death, Wife, Children, Net Worth, Family, Books, Movie, Airport

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Biography

Brigadier General Charles Elwood Yeager (1923–2020) was a legendary American test pilot and a retired brigadier general in the United States Air Force.

He achieved fame as the first person to officially break the sound barrier, reaching Mach 1.07 in the Bell X-1 rocket plane on October 14, 1947.

Yeager‘s distinguished career included setting numerous aviation records, serving as a World War II ace with 11.5 aerial victories, and making pivotal contributions to military aviation advancements. Tom Wolfe‘s book The Right Stuff and its film adaptation immortalized his remarkable life and achievements.

Chuck Yeager
Wiki Facts & About Data
Real Name:	Brigadier General Charles Elwood Yeager
Stage Name:	Chuck Yeager
Born:	13 February 1923 (age 97 years old)
Place of Birth:	Myra, West Virginia, United States
Died:	7 December 2020 (age 97 years), Los Angeles, California, United States
Nationality:	American
Education:	Hamlin High School,
Height:	1.85 m
Parents:	Albert Hal Yeager, Susie Mae Yeager
Siblings:	Doris Ann Yeager, Pansy Lee Yeager, Hal Yeager Jr., Roy Yeager
Spouse:	Victoria Scott D’Angelo (m. 2003–2020), Glennis Yeager (m. 1945–1990)
Girlfriend • Partner:	N/A
Children:	Michael Yeager, Susan Yeager, Don Yeager, Sharon Yeager Flick
Occupation:	Air Force Officer • Flying Ace
Net Worth:	$1.5 million (USD)

Early Life & Education

Chuck Yeager was born on February 13, 1923, in Myra, West Virginia, a small community in Lincoln County. He was of Scotch-Irish descent, which is common in the Appalachian region where he grew up.

Yeager was raised in a Christian household, specifically within the Methodist tradition, though he was not known to publicly emphasize his religious beliefs. His father, Albert Hal Yeager, worked in the gas and oil fields, while his mother, Susie Mae Yeager, née Sizemore, was a homemaker. Chuck was one of five children; he had two brothers, Roy and Hal, and two sisters, Doris Ann and Pansy Lee.

Yeager graduated from Hamlin High School in Lincoln County, West Virginia, in 1941. More interested in hunting and fishing than academics, he did not pursue further formal education immediately after high school but enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II.

His aviation education came through military training, where he trained as an aircraft mechanic before becoming a pilot. He earned his pilot’s wings in 1943 at Luke Field, Arizona.

Career

Chuck Yeager‘s career was both remarkable and transformative, encompassing military service, test piloting, and significant contributions to aviation history. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces in September 1941, beginning as an aircraft mechanic before earning his pilot’s wings in 1943.

During World War II, Yeager distinguished himself as a P-51 Mustang pilot in the European Theater, achieving “ace in a day” status by shooting down five enemy aircraft in a single mission. By the war’s end, he had amassed 11.5 aerial victories and received honors, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, and Bronze Star.

After the war, Yeager transitioned to test piloting at Muroc Army Air Field (now Edwards Air Force Base). On October 14, 1947, he made history as the first person to officially break the sound barrier, piloting the Bell X-1 experimental rocket plane—nicknamed “Glamorous Glennis” in tribute to his wife—at Mach 1.07 (approximately 700 mph) at 45,000 feet.

Yeager continued to push the limits of aviation throughout the 1950s, setting speed and altitude records with experimental aircraft, including reaching speeds over Mach 2 in the X-1A in 1953.

His career extended beyond test piloting, including commanding fighter squadrons and contributing to aircraft development. He also played a critical role in early space race initiatives by testing high-performance aircraft like the NF-104A.

Yeager flew 127 combat missions in a B-57 Canberra bomber during the Vietnam War. Promoted to brigadier general, he retired from active duty in 1975 but remained deeply involved in aviation as an advisor and air show pilot.

Yeager’s career was not without danger. He survived several crash landings and accidents, demonstrating exceptional skill and resilience. In retirement, he became a celebrated public figure, sharing his experiences in his autobiography, Yeager, and through media appearances, including his prominent role in The Right Stuff.

Social Media

• Twitter: Chuck Yeager (@GenChuckYeager) / X

Personal Life

Chuck Yeager married Glennis Faye Dickhouse (Glennis Yeager) on February 26, 1945, after meeting her before he went overseas for WWII. They had a 45-year marriage until Glennis‘s death from ovarian cancer in December 1990.

She inspired the name of the Bell X-1, “Glamorous Glennis,” in which Yeager broke the sound barrier. After Glennis‘ passing, Yeager met Victoria Scott D’Angelo, an aspiring actress, in 2000 while hiking in Nevada County. They married in August 2003, despite a 36-year age difference, making Victoria 45 years younger than Yeager and younger than his children from his first marriage. This contentious marriage led to legal disputes with Yeager‘s children over financial matters.

Yeager had four children with Glennis: Susan, Donald (Don), Michael (Mickey), and Sharon. The relationship with his children became strained following his second marriage. Chuck Yeager stood at a height of 1.85 meters (6 feet 1 inch).

Net Worth

At the time of his death in 2020, Chuck Yeager‘s net worth was estimated to be around $1.5 million. His wealth was accumulated through his military salary, earnings as a test pilot, income from book royalties, speaking engagements, and various endorsements. Yeager‘s iconic status in aviation history, particularly as the first to break the sound barrier, likely contributed to his financial success through these avenues.

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