Cap\'t Eddie Rickenbacker Photo - Autographs of Famous People For Sale

Edward Vernon Rickenbacker (October 8, 1890 \" July 23, 1973) was an American fighter ace in World War I and Medal of Honor recipient. With 26 aerial victories, he was America\'s most successful fighter ace in the war. He was also considered to have received the most awards for valor by an American during the war. He was also a race car driver and automotive designer, a government consultant in military matters and a pioneer in air transportation, particularly as the long-time head of Eastern Air Lines. Edward Rickenbacker was born at 1334 East Livingston Avenue in Columbus, Ohio, the third child to Swiss German-speaking immigrants. His father, Wilhelm Rickenbacher, aspired to own his own house-building business but remained stuck in wage labor for breweries and street-paving crews. His mother, Liesl Basler, took in laundry to supplement the family income. With a loan from Lizzie\'s parents, the couple was able to purchase a small home on Livingston Avenue, at the edge of the city limits, two miles southeast of downtown. Edd, as he was called, was three years old. Growing up in the little house, Edd had the \"privilege\" of \"working long hours before and after school.\" He helped in the garden (potatoes, cabbages, and turnips) and with the animals (chickens, goats, and pigs). He brought in money by delivering papers, setting up pins at the bowling alley, and selling scavenged goods to the junk man. He gave most of his nickels to his mother, but he spent some on himself, including on Bull Durham tobacco, a habit he picked up from his big brother Bill. Edd was \"sort of the leader\" of the local Horsehead Gang, with whom he smoked, played hooky, and, on at least one occasion, broke streetlamps up and down Miller Avenue. Later in life, Rickenbacker called himself the \"black sheep\" of the family, Edd was a hard worker and a streetwise tough, but he had a sensitive and artistic side, too Item ordered may not be exact piece shown. All original and authentic.