Eddie Rickenbacker

Edward Vernon (Eddie) Rickenbacker (October 8, 1890-July 27, 1973) was an American fighter pilot who flew in World War I. He was born Edward Rickenbacher in Columbus, Ohio to Swiss immigrants.

Post-World War II

In 1938, Rickenbacker had bought Eastern Airlines. Immediately after World War II, Eastern became the first airline to purchase and operate the Lockheed Constellation and was, for a time, the most profitable airline in the post-war era. In the late 1950s, Eastern's fortunes changed, and Rickenbacker was forced out of his CEO position on October 1, 1959. He left his position as chairman of the board December 31, 1963.

Related Topics:
1938 - Eastern Airlines - Lockheed Constellation - 1950s - October 1 - 1959 - December 31 - 1963

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In the 1960s, Rickenbacker became a well-known conservative speaker. He died in 1973 in Zürich, Switzerland. He is buried in Columbus, Ohio. In 1974, the Lockbourne Air Force Base in his home of Columbus was renamed Rickenbacker Air Force Base.

Related Topics:
1960s - 1973 - Zürich - Switzerland - 1974

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