Everest was “the fastest man alive.” Born in Fairmont, he flew more than 10,000 hours in 170 types of aircraft and test-piloted 122 different models.

During World War II, Everest flew combat missions in Europe and Asia. He was shot down and became a prisoner of war in Japan until the war ended.

Everest later flew rocket planes like the Bell X-1 and X-2, setting speed and altitude records. In 1956, he flew over 1,900 mph, breaking Chuck Yeager’s record. He became a general in 1965 and retired in 1973 with many honors.