Jacqueline Cochran the “Speed Queen’: American Icon of Aviation

The Most famous Aviator you’ve never heard of

Married at age 14, her first born died when he was 5 years old which ended her first marriage. Keeping her married name and using Jacqueline as her first name, she got a job at a salon in New York where she met a man who introduced her to flying. Starting her own cosmetics business, she flew around the country showcasing her cosmetics until she found out about air racing. She launched herself into several air races in the 1930s (Bendix and MacRobertson Air Race) and won 5 Harmon Trophies setting speed, distance and altitude records. She served during WW2 as a WASP and was a Colonel in the Air Force Reserves. Despite no formal education, she was very business savvy and quick to learn new things. She ran for Congress as a Republican in 1956 as the party nominee and was narrowly defeated. At the time of her death she was the top holder of all speed, distance, and altitude records of any pilot in history.

There is valor in taking your humble beginnings and making greatness no matter the obstacles. Valor is in you. Set it free.