Jacqueline Cochran is known as one of the greatest woman in aviation holding the most aviation world records than any other pilot to this day. Born May 11, 1906 Cochran and not persueing flying until the early 1930s, She quickly became popular as one of three women to compete in the MacRobertson Air Race. She went on to set a women’s national speed record, win the Bendix and set a new transcontinental speed record as well as altitude record. By 1938, she was considered the best female pilot in the United States. After winning five Harmon trophies, she became known as the “Speed Queen.” To add to all these records, Cochran did much more in her time. She worked with Amelia Earhart to open the Bendix race to women and was the first woman to fly a bomber across the Atlantic. She flew with a number of famous groups such as, “Wings for Britain,” Royal Air Force, British Air Transport Auxiliary, WAAC, WAC, and USAAF. During this these times Cochran was awarded: U.S. Air Force Command Pilot Wings
“Women Air force Service Pilots Badge
Distinguished Service Medal
Legion of Merit
Distinguished Flying Cross with two oak leaf clusters
American Campaign Medal
World War II Victory Medal
National Defense Service Medal with oak leaf cluster
Armed Forces Reserve Medal with bronze hour glass”
Later she received a number of other awards before death and even after was entered into a n umber of hall of fames.