1890-1973
Aviation Pioneer

Backgrounds.

One of the most famous of the Air Corps aces during World War I, Edward V. Rickenbacker also proved himself to be an effective and persistent businessman. President of Eastern Airlines for many years, he turned it into one of the most profitable and progressive airlines in the world.

Early Efforts.

When the war ended and he returned home to the United States and a hero's welcome, Rickenbacker wanted to go into aviation. In 1918 he was sent by the War Department to tour the country on behalf of war bonds, and in the course of the tour he met many businessmen. But when he brought up the subject of commercial aviation, he was assured that, for the immediate future, there was little hope of being financially successful without abundant investment capital or congressional support, neither of which were apparently forthcoming.

The Rickenbacker.