Captain Iven C. Kincheloe Jr.

1950's -- On Sept. 7, 1956, Capt. Iven C. Kincheloe (left) became the first pilot to climb above 100,000 feet as he rocketed to a peak altitude of 126,200 feet. Just 20 days later, making his first flight in the research craft, Capt. Milburn G. "Mel" Apt (in cockpit) became the first person to exceed Mach 3. He was killed moments later when the aircraft broke up as it tumbled violently out of control. Kincheloe was killed in the crash of an F-104 on July 26, 1958. Note where heat and air friction have burned away spots of paint on the X-2's nose.

F-84F Thunderstreak

1950's -- F-84F Thunderstreak. Courtesy photo.

F-100 Super Sabre

1950's -- F-100 Super Sabre. Courtesy photo.

B-58 Hustler

1950's -- A B-58 Hustler. Courtesy photo.

Captain Lillian Kinkella Keil

1950's -- In 1938, Lillian Kinkella Keil's mother thought her daughter might like to be one of a brand new group of women, called "stewardesses," so she advised her to go to United Airline's Oakland base and take a look. Keil, a registered nurse, had never seen an airplane and never heard of a stewardess, but one look and she was hooked. This pioneer in passenger care would later combine her two careers and become the most decorated woman in U.S. military history.

Captain Lillian Kinkella Keil

1950's -- In 1938, Lillian Kinkella Keil's mother thought her daughter might like to be one of a brand new group of women, called "stewardesses," so she advised her to go to United Airline's Oakland base and take a look. Keil, a registered nurse, had never seen an airplane and never heard of a stewardess, but one look and she was hooked. This pioneer in passenger care would later combine her two careers and become the most decorated woman in U.S. military history.