Eddie Rickenbacker

War Hero

Birthday October 8, 1890

Birth Sign Libra

Birthplace Columbus, OH

DEATH DATE Jul 27, 1973 (82)

#169197 Most Popular

About

American flying ace who was also a celebrity race car driver, airline executive, and presidential advisor.

Before Fame

He was considered too old to fly combat missions in World War I, but he proved his doubters wrong by scoring 26 war-time kills.

Trivia

He bought Eastern Airlines during the inter-war period and negotiated air mail routes with the federal government, bringing his airline to national prominence.

Family Life

He was born in Ohio to Swiss immigrant parents.

Associated With

He flew a World War II mission to aid General Douglas MacArthur. His plane went down en route to the General, but Rickenbacker and some of his crew survived.