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Edward Rickenbacker
Name: Edward "Eddie" Vernon
Rickenbacker
Country: United States
Rank: Captain
Services: United States Air Service
Units: 94th Aero
Victories: 26
Date Of Birth: October 8, 1890
Place of Birth: Columbus, Ohio
Date Of Death: July 27, 1973
Place of Death: Zurich, Switzerland
Buried: Greenlawn Cemetery, Columbus, Ohio
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 Honour.
Between WWI and WWII, Rickenbacker bought and
administered the Indianapolis Speedway and became president of
Eastern Airlines. In October of 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 honour of Rickenbacker's accomplishments
as an aviation pioneer.
Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)
"For extraordinary heroism in action near Montsec, France, April
29, 1918. Lt. Rickenbacker attacked an enemy Albatros monoplane
and after a vigorous fight, in which he followed his foe into
German territory, he succeeded in shooting it down near
Vigneulles-les-Hatten-Chatel." DSC citation
Medal of Honour
"Edward V. Rickenbacker, Colonel, specialist reserve, then first
lieutenant, 94th Aero Squadron, Air Service, American
Expeditionary Forces. For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy near
Billy, France, 25 September 1918. While on a voluntary patrol over
the lines Lieutenant. Rickenbacker attacked seven enemy planes
(five type Fokker protecting two type Halberstadt photographic
planes). Disregarding the odds against him he dived on them and
shot down one of the Fokkers out of control. He then attacked one
of the Halberstadts and sent it down also..." Medal of Honour
citation, awarded November 6, 1930
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