In 1947 Yeager, piloting the X-1, broke Mach 1 at Edwards AFB. He continued to fly the X-1 as a research vehicle and checked out other pilots in the aircraft. In 1953, he flew the Bell X-1A to break Mach 2 (Mach 2.435--1,650 mph at 70,000 ft.).
Yeager was the second American to test a captured Russian MIG 15. Among his many flights are: F-86, F-100, X-1 (34 flights), X-3 (3 flights), X-4 (7 flights), F-80 acceleration tests, and chase for Joe Walker and Jackie Cochran.
Yeager served as Commandant of the Edwards AFB Air Force Test Pilot School from 1962-66. He was Director of Aerospace Safety for the Air Force Inspection and Safety Center at Norton AFB and Commander of the 17th Fighter Squadron at Hahn Air Base, Germany. He also served as Commandant of the Edwards AFB Aerospace Research Pilot School.
He is a member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots and has been honored by the Congressional Medal of Honor, MacKay Trophy (1948), Aviator's Valor Award (1953), Harmon International Trophy (1953), Aviation Hall of Fame (1973), David C. Schilling Award (1954), Collier Trophy (1948), Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Ribbon and the Aerospace Walk of Honor (1990).