Eddie Rickenbacker

Country: United States
Born: 08 October 1890
Place of Birth: Columbus, Ohio
Deceased: 27 July 1973
Rank: Captain
Service: United States Air Service
Units: 94th Aero
Victories: 26

The son of Swiss immigrants, Rickenbacker was the American “Ace of Aces.” He recorded 26 official victories against German aircraft during World War I and was awarded the Medal of Honor. Between WWI and WWII, Rickenbacker bought and administered the Indianapolis Speedway and became president of Eastern Airlines. In October 1942, he was aboard a B-17 bomber that crashed in the Pacific Ocean while on a secret mission to New Guinea. “Iron Man Eddie” and six companions survived 24 days afloat on life rafts.

In 1995, the United States Postal Service issued a postage stamp in honor of Rickenbacker’s accomplishments as an aviation pioneer.