Rickenbacker, Eddie, 1890-1973
Biography
Eddie Rickenbacker was born October 8, 1890.
He started working as a young boy following the death of his father, and became involved with the automotive industry, working in garages and for automobile manufacturers. In 1910 he began participating in car races.
When the United States entered World War I in 1917, Rickenbacker volunteered. He underwent flight training and became the U.S.'s most successful fighter pilot, and was dubbed 'America's Ace of Aces' by the press.
In 1922 he married Adelaide Frost Durant. They adopted two sons, William and David.
Rickenbacker bought Eastern Air Lines from General Motors in 1935 and ran it until his retirement in 1963. He died in July 1973.
Found in 1 Collection or Record:
Floyd McRae Jr. Collection
Collection contains records of the relationship between McRae and Eddie Rickenbacker from 1941 to 1972, beginning with the event of Rickenbacker's plane crash in Atlanta and ending with McRae's death. All of the material relates to Rickenbacker in some way. It includes photos, correspondence, medical records, published newspaper and magazine articles, and some corporate documents.
