The son of Swiss immigrants,
Rickenbacker was the American "Ace of Aces." He
recorded 26 official victories against German
aircraft during World War I and was awarded the
Medal of Honor. Between WWI and WWII, Rickenbacker
bought and administered the Indianapolis Speedway
and became president of Eastern Airlines. In
October 1942, he was aboard a B-17 bomber that
crashed in the Pacific Ocean while on a secret
mission to New Guinea. "Iron Man Eddie" and
six companions survived 24 days afloat on life
rafts.
In 1995, the United States Postal Service
issued a postage stamp in honor of Rickenbacker's
accomplishments as an aviation pioneer |
