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Edward Vernon Rickenbacker



Edward Vernon Rickenbacker

Edward Vernon Rickenbacker
EDWARD VERNON RICKENBACKER
WW I American Fighter Ace
Airline Executive - Patriot
Born Columbus, Ohio, 8 October 1890. Entered service May 1917 as Sergeant, U.S. Army, assigned as General Pershing's chauffeur. Requested and received flight training in France. Lieutenant Rickenbacker of the famed 94th Aero Squadron scored his first victory April 29, 1918. Promoted to Captain and command of the squadron, he scored 26 victories and became the American "Ace of Aces".

Joined the budding airline industry in 1932, playing a major role in its development, serving its cause for three decades as Chief Executive of Eastern Airlines. Died 23 July 1973.

Elected to the International Aerospace Hall of Fame 1966