Let me thank a few people -- Major Stapp for all his work and leadership, and his wife and his family, all of your families who have helped.

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As he had long felt that the safety measures he was developing for military aircraft should also be used for civilian automobiles, Stapp also campaigned for the installation of seat belts and other safety features in American cars.

BBC: Before Baumgartner: Five daredevils who helped science

According to the official website of the US Air Force, Stapp is also credited with coining one of the most famous phrases in American history when he suffered injuries owing to a mistake by one of his assistants Captain Murphy.

BBC: Before Baumgartner: Five daredevils who helped science

He suffered broken bones and detached retinas, but out of these wild rides - by December 1954, Stapp had volunteered for 29 rocket sled deceleration and windblast experiments - came improved helmets, arm and leg restraints, better aircraft seats, stronger safety harnesses and techniques for positioning the body to help absorb powerful forces.

BBC: Before Baumgartner: Five daredevils who helped science