Ace Pilot Eddie Rickenbacker And The Dawn Of The Age Of Speed

Eddie Rickenbacker was born in Columbus, Ohio, on October 8, 1890. He was the son of William Rickenbacker, a German immigrant, and Elizabeth Wolz Rickenbacker. Eddie had two older brothers, William Jr. and Herman, and a younger sister, Elizabeth.

Rickenbacker's father was a successful businessman, and the family lived in a comfortable home in the German-American community of Columbus. Eddie attended St. Joseph's Catholic School and St. Francis De Sales High School. He was a good student and a gifted athlete. He played football, baseball, and basketball, and he was also a track star.

After graduating from high school, Rickenbacker worked for his father's business. He also began to take flying lessons. In 1917, the United States entered World War I, and Rickenbacker joined the Army Air Service. He was assigned to the 94th Aero Squadron, which was based in France.

Enduring Courage: Ace Pilot Eddie Rickenbacker and the Dawn of the Age of Speed

by John F. Ross

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6376 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	400 pages

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Rickenbacker quickly became one of the top pilots in the 94th Aero Squadron. He was known for his daring and skill in combat. He also had a knack for finding enemy aircraft, and he was credited with shooting down 26 German planes.

In April 1918, Rickenbacker was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in combat. He had led a flight of six planes against a formation of German Fokker D.VII fighters. Rickenbacker shot down two of the German planes and forced the others to retreat.

Rickenbacker's heroism and skill in combat made him a national hero. He was featured in newspapers and magazines, and he was given a ticker-tape parade in New York City.

After the war, Rickenbacker returned to the United States and became a successful businessman. He founded the Rickenbacker Motor Company, which manufactured automobiles. He also served as the head of the American Legion from 1922 to 1923.

In 1937, Rickenbacker published his autobiography, "Fighting the Flying Circus." The book was a bestseller, and it helped to make Rickenbacker one of the most famous pilots in the world.

Rickenbacker died in Columbus, Ohio, on July 23, 1973. He was 82 years old. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

Eddie Rickenbacker was a true American hero. He was a brave and skilled pilot, and he was a successful businessman and author. He is an inspiration to all who dream of achieving great things.

Additional Information

• Rickenbacker was the first American pilot to shoot down an enemy plane in World War I.
• He was also the first American pilot to be awarded the Medal of Honor.
• Rickenbacker was a close friend of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
• He was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 1965.

Enduring Courage: Ace Pilot Eddie Rickenbacker and the Dawn of the Age of Speed

by John F. Ross

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6376 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	400 pages

FREE