"Eddie Rickenbacker: America’s Most Decorated WWI Ace" Topic

Edward Vernon Rickenbacker is best remembered as the "ace of aces." He achieved 26 aerial victories during World War I — the most of any US pilot during the war. With a Medal of Honor, seven Distinguished Flying Crosses, and the French Croix de Guerre to his name, Rickenbacker remains one of the most decorated military aviators in American history.

Rickenbacker's legendary reputation was not just the result of his exploits in the sky. The famous fighter pilot led a life of adventure that invites comparisons to the likes of Ernest Hemingway and Theodore Roosevelt. His tales of derring-do would make the Dos Equis man feel boring. Here are some of the highlights…

Coffee or Die: link

Interesting in that the SPAD aircraft that he flew was French built.

Odd that they don't mention he was president of an airline!

26 planes and balloons in basically 6 months, including 13 Fokker D-VIIs. Not too shabby!

Also owned a car company. My dad claimed his first car was a used 1929 Rickenbacker with wooden wheels.

WW I Aviation fans, go find a copy of his autobiography of his time as a fighter pilot, "Fighting The Flying Circus" for one of the best reads you'll ever have.

Great stories, lots of horrors of flying Nieuport 28's against Fokker's, and first class action all round.

Here's a link to Bookfinder listing all manner of copies starting at $7.53 USD, postpaid.

When I read it, I was almost tempted to fly myself.

And I'm the guy who faints and has nose bleeds when I go from barefoot to socks….

TVAG

I recall reading his autobiography when I was in middle school. I recall that he had an accident or a crash where one of his eyes popped out of the socket

At the time of the USA entry into WW1, Rickenbacker was already famous throughout the nation as a professional race car driver.

An interesting story regarding Rickenbacker's last combat sortie of the war -
link

Quite a man. Quite a life.

B