airmanisr:

Jacqueline Cochran and Northrop Gamma monoplane by Tom Wigley

Via Flickr:

Frissell for Vogue – Pilot Jacqueline Cochran and Northrop Gamma monoplane – Aug 15, 1941

Jackie Cochran was a top air racer in the 1930s, a leader of Allied women pilots in World War II, and a record-setting jet jockey in the 1950s and 1960s.

– Captain, UK Air Transport Auxiliary
– Founder and Director of The Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPS)
– Colonel, US Air Force Reserve

Awards:
– French Air Medal
– US Distinguished Flying Cross
– US Legion of Merit
– The Federation Aeronautique Internationale Gold Medal

“When [Jacqueline Cochran] died in 1980, she held more speed, altitude and distance records than anyone in the world, male or female.”

From the ever excellent www.shorpy.com