Jacqueline Cochran

Jacqueline Cochran was the first American woman to break the sound barrier.

Jacqueline Cochran got her pilot's license in 1932 while working as a beautician and cosmetics salesperson. She was the first woman to compete in the Bendix Transcontinental Air Race in 1935 and came in third place. She went on to win the race in 1938.

Cochran was appointed director of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) during World War II and was the first woman to fly a bomber across the Atlantic Ocean. She was also the first woman to fly faster than the speed of sound in 1953, piloting an F-86.

by Insider