Eddie Rickenbacker
Eddie Rickenbacker: American Hero and Aviator
Full Name and Common Aliases
Eddie Rickenbacker's full name was Edward Vernon Rickenbacker. He was often referred to as the "Ace of Aces" due to his impressive aerial combat record.
Birth and Death Dates
Edward Vernon Rickenbacker was born on October 8, 1890, in Columbus, Ohio. He passed away on July 23, 1973, at the age of 82.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Rickenbacker was an American aviator, World War I fighter ace, Medal of Honor recipient, and successful businessman.
Early Life and Background
Eddie Rickenbacker grew up in a working-class family. His father, Frank Rickenbacker, was of Swiss descent, while his mother, Emma Rickenbacker, was German-American. Young Eddie developed an early interest in mechanics and machinery, which would later serve him well as an aviator.
Major Accomplishments
Rickenbacker's military career began during World War I when he enlisted with the U.S. Army Air Service (USAAS). He flew combat missions on various aircraft types, including the SPAD S.XIII, for which he earned 26 confirmed aerial victories. This made him one of the top-scoring American aces in the war.
In addition to his impressive flying record, Rickenbacker was awarded numerous honors and decorations, including:
Medal of Honor (1918)
Distinguished Service Cross
Distinguished Flying Cross with five oak leaf clusters
French Croix de Guerre avec Palmes
Notable Works or Actions
After the war, Eddie Rickenbacker became a prominent figure in American aviation. He went on to form Eastern Air Lines and served as its president from 1938 until his retirement in 1941.
During World War II, Rickenbacker played an important role as a consultant for the U.S. Army Air Forces (USAAF). In 1942, he led a team of advisors who helped establish the USAAF's air tactics and training programs.
Impact and Legacy
Eddie Rickenbacker's contributions to aviation and the military are immeasurable. He was an early advocate for the development of aerial combat techniques and was instrumental in shaping the United States' air power during both World Wars.
Rickenbacker's legacy extends beyond his military service, however. As a businessman, he played a significant role in shaping America's commercial aviation industry. His innovative approaches to airline management helped establish Eastern Air Lines as one of the country's leading carriers.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Eddie Rickenbacker is widely remembered for his exceptional flying skills, military heroism, and contributions to American aviation. As a decorated war veteran and successful businessman, he embodied the qualities that Americans admire in their heroes: courage, leadership, and innovation.
Rickenbacker's commitment to pushing the boundaries of flight and safety standards earned him recognition as one of the most significant figures in 20th-century aviation. His legacy continues to inspire generations of pilots, business leaders, and military personnel around the world.
Today, Eddie Rickenbacker is celebrated not only for his many accomplishments but also for the enduring impact he had on American history. His story serves as a testament to the power of determination, perseverance, and leadership in shaping our nation's future.
Quotes by Eddie Rickenbacker
When I look up and see the sun shining on the patch of white clouds up in the blue, I begin to think how it would feel to be up somewhere above it winging swiftly thought the clear air, watching the earth below, and the men on it, no bigger than ants.
I pay those guys to fly, so let them fly. I’ll be damned if I’ll pay them to just sit there.
Flying is one of the safest jobs in the Army as long as you don’t drop out. If you do drop out, you are a dead man, and dropping out means, usually, that you have made a mistake or let go of your grip.
There is a peculiar gratification in receiving congratulations from one’s squadron for a victory in the air. It is worth more to a pilot than the applause of the whole outside world.
I’ve cheated the Grim Reaper more times than anyone I know, and I’ll fight like a wildcat until they nail the lid of my pine box down on me.
Flying saucers are real. Too many good men have seen them, that don’t have hallucinations.
I can give you a six-word formula for success: “Think things through – then follow through.”
Think positively and masterfully, with confidence and faith, and life becomes more secure, more fraught with action, richer in achievement and experience.