Edward Vernon Rickenbacker, byname Eddie Rickenbacker, (born Oct. 8, 1890, Columbus, Ohio, U.S.—died July 23, 1973, Zürich), pilot, industrialist, and probably the most celebrated U.S. air ace of World War I.
Rickenbacker developed an early curiosity in internal-combustion engines and cars, and, by the point the United States entered World War I, he was one of many nation’s high three racing drivers. He entered the military in 1917 as a driver connected to General John J. Pershing’s workers and drove a automotive for Colonel William (“Billy”) Mitchell, the famous advocate of tactical air energy.
With Mitchell’s assist, he grew to become a fighter pilot and was assigned to the 94th Aero Pursuit Squadron. He amassed 26 air victories and quite a few decorations, together with the Medal of Honor. His conflict exploits are revealed in his e book Fighting the Flying Circus (1919).
Rickenbacker returned to work within the car trade after the conflict, first together with his personal firm and later with the Cadillac Motor Car Company. He joined American Airways in 1932, transferring to North American Aviation, Inc., in 1933, and at last, to Eastern Air Lines in 1935. Rickenbacker grew to become president, normal supervisor, and director of Eastern three years later. After main the corporate ably for a few years, he resigned as president in 1959 and as director and chairman of the board in 1963.