Yeager wasn't even the prime pilot at the start, he was to fly chase, Bob Hoover was the original designated pilot, I'm assuming because of his rocket experience with the Me 163, although he only made glide flights. An indiscretion of giving an impromptu low level air display in a P-80 meant the plum job was taken away from Bob and given to Chuck. The ever humble Bob would have been a far better candidate than the ever egotistical Chuck to have worn the cloak of fame, a crying shame.