Yeager's Final Mission in World War II

On January 15, 1945, Chuck Yeager completed his 61st and final mission during World War II, marking the end of his combat tour. Following his return to the United States in early February 1945, Yeager was presented with the opportunity to select his next assignment due to his status as an evader. With his new wife expecting their first child, he opted for a position at Wright Field, allowing him to remain close to his home in West Virginia. Yeager's extensive flight hours and maintenance expertise positioned him well for a role as a functional test pilot for repaired aircraft. In this capacity, he worked under the command of Colonel Albert Boyd, who led the Aeronautical Systems Flight Test Division. This transition from combat to test piloting not only showcased Yeager's exceptional skills but also set the stage for his future contributions to aviation and aerospace testing.