Our Ace of Aces Demonstrated Leadership and Courage

In 1917, Eddie Rickenbacker already was a rich and famous man. Then, he volunteered at sergeant's pay and became this nation's "Ace of Aces."

Anyone seeking to define "warrior" can do it with a single word: Rickenbacker. Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker was a warrior in two wars, becoming the American Ace of Aces in 1918 and demonstrating rare leadership and courage in World War II. Rick, as he liked to be called, never ceased to watch out for the interests of the United States.

Beloved by many, hated by not a few, Rickenbacker was the quintessential American leader-patriot of the 20th century, a man who fought to protect his interests and to promote those of the United States. He also had his weaknesses, including an inability to bear fools lightly, a predisposition to speak rashly, and a cranky insistence that co-workers give a 110 percent effort.

He was born in Columbus, Ohio, in 1890, the son of Swiss immigrants. His surname originally was spelled Rickenbacher. The Teutonic sound of it caused Rickenbacker many problems and, as a result of World War I, he changed it. In 1918, he became Eddie "Rickenbacker"--with the change of that single letter somehow giving him comfort.