(b. ca. 1910; d. August 9, 1980) Director of Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) during WWII; first woman to break the sound barrier.

The first woman to break the sound barrier, and the director of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) in World War II, Jacqueline (Jackie) Cochran held more speed, distance, and altitude records during her career than any other pilot, male or female. Although not as well known to the public as Amelia Earhart, she is called by many the greatest woman pilot in aviation history. Her flying career covered four decades, and some of her records still stand.

Orphaned as a child, Cochran was raised by poor foster parents in Pensacola, Florida, where she was born, although the year is uncertain. Her family name and that of her foster parents are unknown, but according to her autobiography, she chose the name "Cochran" out of a phone...