“Captain Eddie” Becomes America’s Number One

Edward Vernon Rickenbacker, born in Columbus, Ohio, on October 8, 1890, became America’s ‘Ace of Aces’ in World War I with more than 20 kills. Rickenbacker was already a famous race car driver when he entered World War I at age 28. Although he was considered too old to become an aviator, ‘Rick,’ shown here during his service with the 94th ‘Hat-in-the-Ring’ Squadron, ultimately would be awarded the Medal of Honor for his wartime exploits. After a failed stint as an automotive manufacturer, Rickenbacker and several associates bought Eastern Airlines in April 1938 and guided it to become one of the most profitable airlines in the postwar era. Eddie Rickenbacker died on July 23, 1973.