Born in Columbus, Ohio, in 1890, and a pre-war racing driver, Eddie Rickenbacker was posted to France in 1917 as General Pershing’s army chauffeur, but took flying lessons in his spare time. In March 1918 he secured a posting to fly with the 94th Aero Squadron, then commanded by Raoul
Lufbery. He had already destroyed seven enemy aircraft when given command of the squadron that September. Between then and the Armistice Rickenbacker destroyed 19 further enemy aeroplanes and balloons to take his score to 26 to become the top of the American roll of aces. He was awarded the Medal of Honour and continued in aviation as Chairman of Eastern Airlines.
pictured here with his SPAD XIII.
All Aero 