Originally shared by Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

Today in 1953: Jacqueline “Jackie” Cochran became the first woman to break the sound barrier. In this photo, she is sitting in the cockpit of a F-86 Sabre jet talking to Chuck Yeager.

At the time of her death in 1980, Jackie Cochran held more speed, altitude, and distance records than any other male or female pilot in aviation history. Read more about Jackie Cochran: http://bit.ly/1nWiP53 

Image credit: US Air Force