Eddie Rickenbacker biography

Profile

Born October 8, 1890, Eddie Rickenbacher was a top race car driver by the time the U.S. entered World War I. He then served as a fighter pilot, winning 26 air victories and numerous distinctions, including the Medal of Honor. After the war, Rickenbacker worked for Cadillac Motor Company before moving into aeronautics. He was president of Eastern Airlines from 1938 until his retirement in 1963.