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Eddie Rickenbacker. Edward Vernon Rickenbacker (born Edward Rickenbacher, October 8, 1890 – July 23, 1973) was an American fighter pilot in World War I and a Medal of Honor recipient. [1][2] With 26 aerial victories, he was the most successful and most decorated United States flying ace of the war. [3]
3 days ago · Eddie Rickenbacker was a legendary American fighter ace during World War I, known for his incredible flying skills and bravery. Born in 1890, he initially made a name for himself as a race car driver before taking to the skies. Rickenbacker became the most successful American fighter ace of the war, with 26 aerial victories.
During the early part of WWII, he served as the personal observer of Secretary of War Stimson in a flight over Leningrad. On his return to Washington to report on German war damage of the Russian city, his plane was followed down in the Pacific, but he survived a long ordeal on a raft and was eventually rescued.
In World War II American aces ran up their scores flying 350-mph fighters armed with banks of .50-caliber machine guns. But Rickenbacker fought in an age that relied on two rifle-caliber weapons, 100-mph mounts, and a native ability to seek out and destroy the target.
Nov 15, 2021 · Rickenbacker finished the war having commanded his own squadron, earned the nation’s highest award, eight DSCs, and downed 26 aircraft and five balloons. In addition, he was awarded the French Legion of Honor and Croix de Guerre. He accomplished all this and more and was still in his 20s.
Apr 29, 2020 · His 26 confirmed kills during WWI, a result of repeatedly attacking enemy aircraft alone or outnumbered, was a record that stood until the later part of WWII. He received the Congressional Medal of Honor and a record eight Distinguished Service Crosses, as well as the Legion of Honor and the Croix de Guerre by France.
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Having raced in the first Indy 500 in 1911, he knew the importance of the race as a testing ground for automotive technology. The photograph shows Eddie with the Borg-Warner Trophy at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1936. Eddie closed the Speedway during World War II.
