Description: (The First Female Pilot Who Broke the Sound Barrier)
Jacqueline Cochran was an American pilot and business executive recognized for leading the way for women in aviation. She was a distinguished racing pilot, setting multiple records and achieving the milestone of being the first woman to break the sound barrier. Throughout World War II, she played a crucial role as the leader of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), managing the deployment of approximately 1000 civilian American women in aircraft ferrying operations. Cochran's commitment to advancing women in aviation and space exploration was evident in her sponsorship of the Mercury 13 women astronaut initiative.