- Eldon W. Joersz
Major General Eldon W. Joersz is an American pilot, who currently holds the World Air Speed Record.
Joersz set the air speed record on
July 28 ,1976 in aSR-71 Blackbird atBeale Air Force Base . He went 2,188 mph (3,529.56 km/h), breaking the record ofDaniel Andre andRobert L. Stephens of convert|2070|mi/h|km/h|-1|abbr=on.During his career in the
United States Air Force , Joersz held several positions, including instructor for theT-38 Talon and SR-71, as well as a pilot during theVietnam War in aF-105 Thunderchief fromTakhli Royal Thai Air Force Base inThailand .He also won many awards, including the
Defense Distinguished Service Medal ,Legion of Merit , and theDefense Meritorious Service Medal , amongst others.He graduated from
North Dakota State University in 1966 and received his masters degree fromAuburn University in 1976. He retired from the Air Force in 1997.External links
* [http://www.af.mil/bios/bio_print.asp?bioID=5948&page=1 Joersz bio]
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.