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.

World War I

Rickenbacker arrived in France on June 26, 1917. Given the rank of sergeant first-class, he was assigned as staff driver for Colonel William Mitchell. Interested in aviation, Rickenbacker was accepted into the Army Air Corps, and in March 1918, he was assigned to the 94th Aero Pursuit Squadron, the first all-American air unit to see combat duty in World War I. He flew Nieuport 28 and SPAD XIII aircraft. On April 20, 1918, he shot down his first plane. A notable adversary was the vaunted Flying Circus commanded by the Red Baron, Manfred von Richthofen.

Related Topics:
France - June 26 - 1917 - William Mitchell - Army Air Corps - 1918 - Nieuport - SPAD - April 20 - Manfred von Richthofen

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Initially disliked by his squadron mates, many of whom had degrees from prestigious colleges, his respect grew as his kills mounted. Rickenbacker won the French Croix de Guerre in May 1918 by shooting down five German airplanes. On September 24, 1918, he was named commander of the squadron, and on the following day he shot down two more German planes, for which he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, belatedly, in 1931. The most successful American ace left alive, the press dubbed him America's "Ace of Aces." He claimed his 26th and final plane on October 30, 1918, 12 days before the end of the war.

Related Topics:
Croix de Guerre - German - September 24 - 1918 - Congressional Medal of Honor - 1931 - October 30

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

His 26 victories was an American record that stood until World War II. In 1969 the USAF released Historical Study 133. This study converted the whole victory credits awarded into fractions, to show which credits were shared and to calculate the number of enemy aircraft actually covered by the credits. This was more in line with the criteria the Americans applied in World War II, but it did not reflect the actual credits awarded. Confusion resulted, because researchers using Historical Study 133 would sometimes add the fractions of flyers to get their aerial victory credit totals. His official score of 26 still stands, which can be seen at the USAF Historical Research Agency. While the US Air Service credited "out of control" and other nonfatal victories, in terms of aircraft destroyed, Rickenbacker's tally was six airplanes and two balloons plus two balloons on the ground. He flew a total of 300 combat hours, more than any other U.S. pilot in the war.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~