Eddie Rickenbacker Autograph

Profession:
(1890-1973) American fighter ace in World War I and Medal of Honor recipient - with 26 aerial victories, he was America's most successful fighter ace in the war

Year of Birth: 1890

Edward Vernon Rickenbacker was an American fighter ace during World War I, and a Medal of Honor recipient. He was also a pioneering race car driver, and businessman who founded Eastern Air Lines. Born on October 8th, 1890 in Columbus, Ohio, Rickenbacker was the seventh of eight children from a Swiss-German family.

Rickenbacker was a natural born mechanic, and as a teen he worked as a bicycle repairman. He also had a passion for racing cars, and he began competing in local races at the age of 17. In 1911, he won the first race he entered and became a professional race car driver. He was so successful that he was hired by the prestigious Mercedes-Benz racing team and competed in races all over the world.

In 1916, Rickenbacker joined the U.S. Army and was assigned to the 94th Aero Pursuit Squadron. He quickly rose through the ranks and became a captain. He flew more than 300 combat missions during the war and shot down 26 enemy aircraft, making him the leading American ace of the war. For his bravery and heroism, he was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1930.

After the war, Rickenbacker became a businessman and founded Eastern Air Lines in 1926. He served as president and chairman of the board until 1938, and the airline quickly became one of the most successful in the country. He also wrote several books on aviation and was a consultant to the government on aviation matters.

In 1941, Rickenbacker joined the U.S. Army Air Corps as a civilian consultant. In October of that year, he was aboard a B-17 bomber that crashed over the Pacific Ocean. He spent 24 days lost at sea with his fellow crew members before being rescued by a US Navy ship.

Edward Vernon Rickenbacker died on July 23rd, 1973 in Zurich, Switzerland at the age of 82. He was an inspiration to all and a true American hero. His legacy of bravery, heroism, and entrepreneurship will live on forever.