The James Logan Courier

Eddie Rickenbacker (October 8, 1890 – July 27, 1973) greatly influenced the U.S. in the Twentieth Century, first as an automobile race car driver and automotive designer, then as a hero of World War I, and later as a government consultant in military matters and a pioneer in air transportation. Rickenbacker participated in many of the most historical events of the Twentieth Century and was known for surviving many serious accidents, his exceptional ambition and personal character, and his service as a American fighter pilot in World War I. During his lifetime, Rickenbacker collaborated with some of the most influential civilian and military leaders of the century. He understood his enemy from friendships with former German fighter aces, Soviet military leaders, and American politicians. He had keen insight into technology, vision for future improvements, and strong principles and social values. Among other events, he participated in or observed:

• the early development of automobiles and auto racing
  
• air combat in World War I
  
• the founding of the commercial aviation industry
  
• Armistice Day on the Western Front
  
• the Hindenburg explosion

Watch part one of the 1939 serial Ace Drummond, a 13-part film based on the comic strip character Ace Drummond, created by WWI flying ace Eddie Rickenbacker, free from the Internet Archive.


Eddie Rickenbacker