For the final Saturday of each month, a different and unique feature will be published. Today’s narrative takes a look at an impressive achievement from the Buckeye state of Ohio. Saturday’s regular feature, “Trivia’s Facts and More,” will return next week.
A native of Columbus, Ohio, Edward Vernon (Eddie) Rickenbacker lived a dynamic life in ways that few can imagine. His times filled up with feats of remarkable courage, dedication, and hard work.
Born to parents who were Swiss immigrants, Rickenbacker was born on October 8, 1890. Along with his six siblings, the family struggled to stay above water with their finances.
In 1904 at the age of 13, his father was killed in a construction accident. Realizing that his mother needed money, he dropped out of school to become the family’s breadwinner. This marked the beginning of Rickenbacker’s resolute attitude to make a difference. Others witnessed his unwavering, positive outlook over and over again throughout his life.
Rickenbacker loved working on machines and engines. This led to work as a mechanic, and later into automobile racing. He exhibited a fearless attitude as a driver, and he survived numerous close calls and accidents. In 1911, he competed in the inaugural Indianapolis 500, and he finished in 13th place.
left: prepared to race in the 1915 indy 500. right: restored rickenbacker family home in columbus, ohio. (images courtesy of pinterest)
As America entered World War I in 1917, Rickenbacker’s future destiny waited to be fulfilled. He joined the army and arrived in Europe where his first role was to serve as mechanic and driver for General John J. Pershing, commander of all American forces in Europe. What Sgt. Rickenbacker wanted most was to serve in the U.S. Army Air Service.
With encouragement from Colonel Billy Mitchell, a leading American advocate for tactical air power, he finished flight training in just 17 days. Lt. Rickenbacker was now prepared to serve his country as a fighter pilot. He was assigned to the 94th Aero Pursuit Squadron.
Just as he had proven to be a fearless race car driver, Rickenbacker accepted the challenges of air combat with the same “can do” attitude. He became a daring, yet gifted pilot. His prowess in aerial combat earned “Captain Eddie” the Medal of Honor in recognition of his 134 combat missions and 26 air victories, the highest of all American pilots. Nicknamed the “Ace of Aces,” he was recognized as the most celebrated American fighter pilot of the war.
Upon being promoted to Captain of the 94th Aero Pursuit Squadron, Rickenbacker impressed upon his pilots that an experienced fighting pilot did not have to take unnecessary risk. It was a pilot’s business to shoot down enemy planes, not to get shot down.
left: closeup of lt. rickenbacker. right: sitting in the cockpit of his fighter. (Images courtesy of Pinterest)
Following the war, Rickenbacker turned his attention to a variety of pursuits. He briefly owned a car manufacturing company before financial troubles closed its operations. He purchased the Indianapolis Speedway in 1927, and he owned it until 1945.
In 1938, he bought Eastern Air Lines, and turned it into one of the most profitable airlines during the 1940s and 1950s. He remained in a leadership position until he retired in 1963.
Two significant events further sealed the legend of Eddie Rickenbacker. While traveling on a civilian plane on February 26, 1941, he along with a few other passengers survived a crash. Both pilots and 11 passengers were killed. Rickenbacker sustained serious injuries: shattered pelvis, broken ribs, broken leg, and a torn eyelid. After several days in the hospital, he made a total and miraculous recovery.
During World War II, Rickenbacker became an eager volunteer and supporter of American troops. He toured numerous Army Air Corps bases to boost morale and inspect methods of training. One more brush with death waited for him in the South Pacific.
Aboard a B-17 flying fortress in October, 1942, Rickenbacker was enroute to New Guinea to deliver a message to American General Douglas MacArthur. Unfortunately, the plane crashed into the Pacific Ocean a few hundred miles off course. Rickenbacker and seven other men attempted to survive while floating in rubber rafts. Forgotten for 24 days, they lived on rainwater and fish. With Rickenbacker’s leadership and encouragement, only one of the men would perish. A leading American newspaper, The Boston Globe, described him as “The Great Indestructible.”
left: standing next to his world war I fighter. right: President of eastern air lines. (Images courtesy of Pinterest)
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