Historic Figures
WITH THE NAME EDDIE
Born Edward Rickenbacher in Columbus, Ohio on October 8, 1890, Eddie Rickenbacker was already an accomplished racecar driver when World War I started. He was born to German-speaking Swiss parents and changed his “too German†sounding name from Rickenbacher to Rickenbacker amidst anti-German sentiment running high in America during the Great War. Called to defend his country in a time of war, Eddie joined the United States Army Air Force. He became a distinguished flying ace fighter pilot and won an impressive 26 air victories (as well as other distinctions) which would earn him the Medal of Honor. He is also known as the president of Eastern Airlines, a position he held between 1938 and 1963. Race car driver, war hero, accomplished businessman. This Eddie was one remarkable, fearless, unstoppable dude.
Born Edward Rickenbacher in Columbus, Ohio on October 8, 1890, Eddie Rickenbacker was already an accomplished racecar driver when World War I started. He was born to German-speaking Swiss parents and changed his “too German†sounding name from Rickenbacher to Rickenbacker amidst anti-German sentiment running high in America during the Great War. Called to defend his country in a time of war, Eddie joined the United States Army Air Force. He became a distinguished flying ace fighter pilot and won an impressive 26 air victories (as well as other distinctions) which would earn him the Medal of Honor. He is also known as the president of Eastern Airlines, a position he held between 1938 and 1963. Race car driver, war hero, accomplished businessman. This Eddie was one remarkable, fearless, unstoppable dude.
Born Edward Rickenbacher in Columbus, Ohio on October 8, 1890, Eddie Rickenbacker was already an accomplished racecar driver when World War I started. He was born to German-speaking Swiss parents and changed his “too German†sounding name from Rickenbacher to Rickenbacker amidst anti-German sentiment running high in America during the Great War. Called to defend his country in a time of war, Eddie joined the United States Army Air Force. He became a distinguished flying ace fighter pilot and won an impressive 26 air victories (as well as other distinctions) which would earn him the Medal of Honor. He is also known as the president of Eastern Airlines, a position he held between 1938 and 1963. Race car driver, war hero, accomplished businessman. This Eddie was one remarkable, fearless, unstoppable dude.