WASHINGTON, D.C. (MPG) - On December 7, U.S. Representatives Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), Carol Miller (R-WV) and Alex Mooney (R-WV), along with U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) sent a letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy encouraging him to issue a commemorative stamp honoring Brigadier General Charles Elwood “Chuck” Yeager. On this third anniversary of his passing, he became eligible to receive the honor.

Prior to joining the West Virginia delegation in this letter, Congressman LaMalfa led a separate bipartisan letter urging Postmaster General DeJoy to issue a postal stamp, or sheet of stamps, to honor the aviation legend.

“Chuck’s outstanding achievements in aviation, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the United States Air Force serve as a testament to his extraordinary character. I was proud to have known this legend and work with him, as he was a constituent of mine in Grass Valley,” said Congressman LaMalfa. “As the first pilot to break the sound barrier, Chuck’s pioneering spirit and courage propelled him to incredible heights, setting a new standard for excellence. His unparalleled contributions in advancing aerospace technology have inspired generations of aviators and innovators. His distinguished military career, marked by numerous accolades and honors, remains a source of pride for our nation. It is only fitting that our nation bestows him this commemoration.”

Yeager was raised in West Virginia. Three months after graduating high school, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps as a mechanic and earned his pilot’s wings only two years later, in 1943. He entered combat in February 1944, and the Allied forces benefited tremendously from his persistence and superb pilot skills. Following the war, Yeager was hand-picked to enter the Air Force’s new Flight Test Division at Wright Field, and in 1947 he achieved the impossible and broke the sound barrier, attaining a top speed of Mach 1.06. Yeager dutifully served his country for another 28 years after his record-breaking flight until his retirement from active duty in 1975, and he moved to Grass Valley, California. He died on December 7, 2020, which is National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, at age 97.