Eddie Rickenbacker 1890 – 1973

Biography

Eddie Rickenbacker blazed into history as America’s most decorated flying ace, a fearless pilot whose daring exploits during World War I made him a national hero. Born in Columbus, Ohio in 1890, Rickenbacker soared to fame piloting combat aircraft at a time when aviation itself was still breaking the sound barrier of public imagination. His Medal of Honor—the nation’s highest military decoration—cemented his legacy as a warrior of exceptional courage and skill, a man who risked everything when his country needed him most.

Beyond the cockpit, Rickenbacker embodied the American spirit of adventure and resilience that defined the twentieth century. His service during WWI earned him legendary status among military circles and the public alike, transforming him into a symbol of valor and patriotic sacrifice. When Rickenbacker died in Zurich, Switzerland on July 23, 1973, at eighty-two, his extraordinary life spanned from the horse-and-buggy era to the jet age—a living bridge between centuries.

His remains were returned to Green Lawn Cemetery in Columbus, completing a full circle from his Ohio roots to his resting place. Rickenbacker’s name remains synonymous with American heroism and the golden age of aviation, inspiring generations with the ideals of duty and bravery he embodied throughout his remarkable life.