Eddie Rickenbacker (1890–1973,) fully Edward Vernon Rickenbacker, was an American Pilot and industrialist. The most celebrated U.S. air aces of World War I, he was a pioneer in air transportation, particularly as an executive of Eastern Air Lines.
Born in Columbus, Ohio, Rickenbacker had little formal education, having left school at age 13. He was initially a leading racing-car driver. He worked as a chauffeur to General John J. Pershing in World War I. He applied for aviation duties, and in four months of combat, flying scored 26 victories.
Rickenbacker returned to a hero’s welcome in the USA and the Congressional Medal of Honor. He returned to motor racing and formed the Rickenbacker Motor Company (1921,) and joined Eastern Air Lines in 1934 as a pilot. During World War II, he toured army air force bases for the U.S. government to raise morale and offer improvement suggestions.
Rickenbacker became president, general manager, and director of Eastern Air Lines in 1938. He retired as president in 1959 and as director and chairperson of the board in 1963.
Rickenbacker’s autobiographical books are Fighting the Flying Circus (1919) and Seven Came Through: Rickenbacker’s Full Story (1943.)
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Eddie Rickenbacker
Courage is doing what you are afraid to do. There can be no courage unless you are scared.
—Eddie Rickenbacker
If you think about disaster, you will get it. Brood about death and you hasten your demise. Think positively and masterfully, with confidence and faith, and life becomes more secure, more fraught with action, richer in achievement and experience.
—Eddie Rickenbacker
The four cornerstones of character on which the structure of this nation was built are: Initiative, Imagination, Individuality and Independence.
—Eddie Rickenbacker
Topics: America, Character
I would rather have a million friends than a million dollars.
—Eddie Rickenbacker
Topics: Wealth, Friendship, Friends
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