|
Want To Start Your Own Business? Find The Perfect Business with Hundreds of Business Ideas
Prior to his acquisition of an airline in 1938, Edward Rickenbacker boasted of flourishing careers in both automobile racing and the auto industry in general.
He also served in the US military during World War I. Rickenbacker was able to create a well-organized and highly profitable airline in the form of Eastern.
Its less than spectacular reputation notwithstanding, Eastern still managed to hold a monopoly on majority of its routes. The firm was a consistent moneymaker throughout Rickenbacker's tenure.
Edward Rickenbacker Conquers the Ground and the Air with His Businesses
Edward Vernon Rickenbacker's folks were Swiss immigrants to the US. He was a successful racecar driver before the First World War started. At one time, Rickenbacker even proposed the forming of a flying squadron that was made up entirely of race drivers.
When America joined the war in 1917, Rickenbacker stepped up and volunteered for the military. Since he had vast knowledge when it came to auto mechanics, he became the staff driver of Gen. John Pershing, the leader of the US forces in France.
Rickenbacker eventually transferred, joining the 94th Aero Pursuit Squadron in March 1918. He was later appointed to head of the troop. Although he initially had problems with airsickness, in time Rickenbacker got over them.
As a pilot, he was well-known for his exploits as a 94th Aero Squadron member. People nicknamed him “Ace of Aces, ” having shot down four balloons and 22 airplanes during the war.
When the war was over, Rickenbacker left the service and returned to the automobile business. For a time, he worked for the firm General Motors.
He was also able to purchase the Indianapolis Speedway. Rickenbacker later took control of Eastern Airlines, moving on to become its president. This former pilot's leadership, along with his fame, proved handy in making Eastern Airlines one of the single-most successful commercial airlines in the middle of the 20th century.
During the 2nd World War, Rickenbacker was aboard a B-17 bomber mission to the island of New Guinea. The bomber crashed into the Pacific Ocean. But amazingly, Rickenbacker and six of his companions were able to survive, lasting 24 days floating on rafts before finally being rescued. After the war ended, Rickenbacker went back to pursuing his business interests. Rickenbacker passed away on July 27, 1973 in Zurich, Switzerland.
The Edward Rickenbacker Quick Bio
Full name: Edward Vernon Rickenbacker
Birth date: October 8, 1890
Birth place: Columbus, Ohio
Company: Eastern Airlines
Industry: Transportation
Key success traits: boundless courage, diligence, dedication and steadfast determination
Additional:
Unleashing the hero in him, Rickenbacker was the recipient of numerous heroism awards during World War I. Among them were the Distinguished Service Cross, the French Croix de Guerre and the Congressional Medal of Honor.In 1995, the US Postal Service issued a stamp bearing Rickenbacker's image in honor of his many accomplishments.
[ More Famous Entrepreneurs ]
[ Business Ideas ] [ Start A Business ]
|
