Rickenbacker’s path to the cockpit wasn’t smooth. Before he ever reached the front lines, he was turned down by the U.S. Army for lacking formal education. Instead of giving up, he pushed harder – and on May 25, 1917, he finally enlisted.

He joined the Signal Enlisted Reserve Corps and was assigned to the Aviation Headquarters American Expeditionary Forces, beginning his service in Paris as Gen. John Pershing’s staff driver. But driving wasn’t enough for Rickenbacker. He wanted to fly.

After repeated requests, Rickenbacker was finally allowed to begin pilot training. He completed the course on October 10, 1917, earning his commission as a first lieutenant. Thanks to his deep knowledge of gasoline engines, he became an Engineering Officer at the 3rd Aviation Instruction Center under Maj. Carl Spaatz – who initially refused to let him fly.

Eventually, Spaatz relented. Rickenbacker joined the 1st Pursuit Group’s 94th Aero Squadron, the legendary “Hat‑in‑the‑Ring” unit. Within a month, he was flying a Nieuport fighter – and ready to prove himself.

On April 25, Rickenbacker shot down a German pilot flying a Pfalz without taking a single bullet. It was the beginning of an extraordinary streak.

Between April 29 and May 22, 1918, he earned eight Distinguished Service Crosses for engaging large formations of Albatross monoplanes and shooting down three. Days later, he attacked a group of six enemy aircraft, downing one and scattering the rest. Two days after that, he faced five planes and shot down another.

By June 1, 1918, Rickenbacker had achieved the coveted title of Ace, with five confirmed kills.

A two‑month illness grounded him, but not for long. When he returned to the skies, he picked up right where he left off.

On September 14, he attacked four aircraft, downing one. The next day, he took on six, again shooting down one and breaking up the formation. On September 25, he became commander of the 94th Aero Squadron – and that same day, he attacked seven enemy planes, shooting down two. This act of heroism earned him the Medal of Honor.

A month later, he was promoted to captain. Known for his leadership, Rickenbacker refused to assign his men to any mission he wouldn’t lead himself. He remained commander until returning to the U.S. in 1919, closing the war with 26 victories.

Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker passed away on July 24, 1973, in Zurich, Switzerland. Today, he rests in his hometown at Greenlawn Cemetery, a hero whose legacy continues to inspire aviators and historians alike.

At the Columbus Air Show, we believe you can’t host an Air Show at an airport named after one of the most famous WWI flying aces without honoring him and teaching the next generation about him!

Each summer at the show, we have an Eddie Rickenbacker reenactor walking around talking to fans. He regales guests with stories and facts about Rickenbacker. He’s dressed in a uniform similar to what Eddie Rickenbacker would have worn during WWI, also giving fans an up close look at the uniforms from that era.

Sources: National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of the United States Air Force, National Park Service, Auburn University Archives