Learning Center Our Enshrinees

Jacqueline Cochran

• Flew in the London, England to Melbourne, Australia race in 1934.
• In 1935, she became the first woman to fly in the Bendix Trophy Race, which she later won in 1938.
• Became the first woman to make a blind instrument landing in 1937.
• Set new women’s records during 1939-40, in altitude, and open class speed.
• Was the first woman to fly a bomber across the Atlantic Ocean, leading to the formation of the Women’s Air Force Service Pilots (WASP) program for which she received the Distinguished Service Medal.
• Received the Harmon Trophy in 1950 as the Aviatrix of the Decade.
• In 1953, she became the first woman to exceed the speed of sound and exceeded Mach 2 in 1964
• When she died in 1980, she held more speed, altitude and distance records than anyone in the world, male or female.