Rickenbacker: An Autobiography

by Eddie V. Rickenbacker

Here is the long-awaited story of one of the most exciting American heroes of this century. It begins with Captain Rickenbacker's earliest memories as a boy in Columbus, Ohio, and proceeds through a fantastic series of incidents and adventures up to the present time.

A legend in his own lifetime, Rickenbacker was one of the earliest racing-car drivers on the national circuit, competing against all the greats of that sport's infancy and eventually owning and running the Indianapolis Speedway for twenty years.

His enthusiasm for speed, for mechanical perfection and for victory became focused on aviation. And, during World War I, he joined up, was sent to France with General Pershing's American Expititionary Forces, and finally worked his way into the Air Service. He battled in the skies with Baron Manfred von Richtofen's Flying Circus, flew the most perilous missions, downed 26 enemy aircraft, became America's Ace of Aces-- earning nineteen decorations for bravery in action and was unuversally known as "Captain Eddie."

Genres: Biography, History, Nonfiction, Aviation, Autobiography, World War I, Business

458 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1967

About the author

Edward Vernon Rickenbacker 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 a race car driver and automotive designer, a government consultant in military matters, and a pioneer in air transportation, particularly as the longtime head of Eastern Air Lines.

See also: Eddie Rickenbacker and Edward Rickenbacker

Reviews

[Mark Mortensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eddie Rickenbacker’s autobiography is the life story of a very humble American hero, who was not afraid of failure and in turn lived a well fulfilled life. This is more than a tale of a great hero, or a rags-to-riches story. Considering all his talents and accomplishments Rickenbacker was a basic honest man, firmly grounded with God, country and family in his heart. He seriously faced death on several occasions, but his lifelong belief in God and passion to live pulled him through. His testimony detailed two specific occasions where he was clairvoyant and he believed in the power of a sixth sense.

Rickenbacker was born (1890) into a working class family and when 13 years old his father died prompting his decision to assume responsibility for providing for his mother, brothers and sisters. Throughout his life he was a straight shooter, however to survive he would need to bend the truth this time, as child labor laws required one to be 14 years old with an 8th grade education. He acquired a 3rd shift job two miles from home with the pay going to his mother. From this point on he excelled with informal education and never looked back.

As a youthful mechanic with a thirst for improvement and innovation he absorbed information fulfilling the role of a technical engineer. His intrigue with how automobiles function led him to compete as a national race car driver at the Indianapolis Speedway. Later in life he would be fortunate enough to own the world famous racetrack not only to stay connected, but also as a means to give back to others.

When the United States entered WWI he took his adventurous daredevil skills to another level, in the sky, where he became a squadron leader and America’s greatest pilot known as the “Ace of Aces”. A little more than a decade after the war he was honored with the Medal of Honor.

Throughout the 1930’s high ranking German officials proudly gave Rickenbacker full tours of their aviation facilities prompting him to predict a Second World War. During WWII he turned down several military promotions choosing to serve his country as a Defense Department aviation engineering consultant traveling across the world’s battlefields. His trustworthy character and keen awareness led him to secret missions. Rickenbacker noted: “The voice, even facial expressions may speak falsely, but the eyes speak the truth. When I shake hands with a man, I look him in the eye. His handshake may be firm and his greeting may be warm, but if his eyes look away, fail to meet mine or even flicker momentarily I know that there is something wrong somewhere.”

He rose to become Chairman of the Board and CEO of Eastern Airlines, remaining active as a “hands on” engineer and championing the cause of hiring disabled veterans / wounded warriors. The man, with less a than 7th grade formal education, was honored with a Doctor of Engineering degree from Lehigh University and in his lifetime other colleges and universities awarded him an assortment of 14 additional Doctorate degrees.

Rickenbacker shunned politics as a profession but treasured the American free enterprise system saying: “Over it all hangs the stultifying influence of big government and the big-brother philosophy in Washington. The so-called “security” nullifies the basic American values and the incentives that are actually stimulated by insecurity. The more that is done for the individual, the less he does for himself. Self-reliance, ambition and determination, all those human traits that were common in the pioneering days and that made this country great, are being softened, even eliminated, in America today.” As he approached his 77th birthday within his book (published 1967) he voiced his concerns of rising socialism: “I cannot help but shudder at the thought of the coming generation and what America will be like in 25 years.”

[Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting and descriptive narrative. Mr. Rickenbacker led a jam packed and adventurous life!
From race car driver to WW1 pilot, to campainer for political issues to being stranded in the Pacific Ocean..
I disagree with some of his views, although we did share the same opinion of President Roosavelt and his bad decision of taking us off of the gold standard. He talks of solving war issues and having world peace-which, I am sorry to say, will not be in this world. Should someone invent how to grow many more crops, it will not solve world hunger because the goverments are too corrupt and power hungry, and that sort of thing just wouldn't be put out for the public. The love of money is the root of all evil.
I'm very thankful it is highly unlikely for his prediction of automobiles to come true-a machine that careens around at 100 MPH!! And completely computerized-which I would not trust my life in. I don't trust computerized machinery, as far as I could throw it. America definitley does not need to be speeding along at that rate.:)
anyways, enough of what I disagreed with-that aside, it was very interesting.:)

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This man was amazing. What's more, he has been forgotten if you go by the history books I read in school. Rickenbacker was an outspoken critic of FDR, which might explain why he was dropped from our history classes? Anyway, he had a hand in a lot of technology pots and political intrigues that he helped develop to later shape our lives... His near-death experiences are remarkable, and he weaves the tale so skillfully that I actually feel like I understand what it means to be dying (thankfully, it sounds rather pleasant). Well... adventure, anyone? Patriotic war tale? Seering political commentary? Corporate advice? International espionage? Spiritual exploration? Inside tale of government workings? IT'S ALL THERE, folks. Take a look.

[Tyler Hochstetler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book brought one key concept to my mind - All or nothing. Wether it be a startup, playing a sport, or even serving as a soldier in the military, commitment to the end goal is key. The attitude that purely the effort of trying to succeed at something will be enough to become successful is an utter lie. There is no try, only do. This book portrays a man who's commitment to success, is only outdone by his seemingly ever present hope in God. The legendary life of Edward Rickenbacker is inspiring.

[Ismaias Recinos · Rating 5 out of 5]

You name it, he did it. Professional race car driver, fighter pilot and ace, bankruptcy to business tycoon, international spy, surviving weeks at sea after a plane wreck. The book reads like it's fiction, a good story with lots of life lessons embedded amongst the stories. One of my perennial favorites.

[Mark Singer · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing life! Rickenbacker was a self made man, who went from mechanical genius, race car driver, air ace, car manufacturer; to head of an airline, all the while traveling the world and cheating death numerous times.
This is one of the better autobiographies I have ever read.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The inspiring story of Eddie Rickenbacker's life kept me up nights. This was a man who lived during a time when men were men, and they did not apologize for it. His life was full of honor, integrity, and courage, and his story is a must-read for every American.

[John Babb · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been many years since I read an autobiography, as I always figured someone who would presume - not only to write their own story , but that others would read it, wouldn't be something I wanted to read. Bad assumption. I thought I knew Eddie Rickenbacker's history. Another bad assumption. His mother & father were from Switzerland, and he was born in 1891. The large family struggled financially, then Eddie's father died when the boy was 13. He dropped out of 7th grade and found work in various shops and trades, always leaning toward mechanical skills. He became a race car driver during the very earliest days of racing. He traveled to England to try and enter the war as a pilot, but the Brits didn't want him. When the Americans finally entered the war, Eddie's dream was realized. Within a year, he had shot down 26 German planes, and became America's 'Ace of Aces'. He earned 19 separate decorations for valor, including the Medal of Honor. He returned home a hero. He went back to automobiles, eventually purchasing the Indianapolis Speedway. He built automobiles, including "The Rickenbacker". He joined General Motors as a senior executive, took a handful of college correspondence courses, then purchased the fledgling Eastern Airlines, building it into a commercial power house. He was involved in a horrific wreck in an aircraft - his pelvis was crushed, numerous ribs broken, with some protruding from his body, his eye was pulled from the socket, hanging on his cheek. He spent months in the hospital. America entered WWII while he was in the hospital. He pushed the aircraft industry to support America's need for aircraft. He was recruited by the Sect of War to visit American airbases all over the world, assess their needs, and report back to the Sect. His next trip involved traveling to Iran, China, India, and Russia (all supporters of the Allies) to assess our Lend Lease operations as well as those countries' problems. Next trip was far over the Pacific Ocean. The pilot became lost, they ran out of gas, set the plane down in the Pacific, and he and 6 others floated away on 3 small life rafts - with no food, and only 5 oranges. They were picked up 24 days later. Six survived. All lost over a quarter of their body weight. Once again, he was a hero. He was asked by many to run for President. He declined. He advised some of the great leaders and military men of the time. He continued to lead Eastern airlines into the 1960s, expanding their operation dramatically. He never finished 7th grade, yet every man, woman, and child knew him in the Americas, Europe, Asia, Australia, and in southern Africa. His story is fascinating.

[Melanie Wissel · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fascinating, incredible life! Eddie Rickenbacker had more near death experiences than anyone else I have ever heard of. He was huge in the automotive and aviation industries. His achievements in WWI as a fighter pilot have been well heralded but his political and aviation influence in WWII has not been given the recognition it deserves. Plane crashes, being lost at sea, wrecks, and peeking into foreign nations during war abound in this book. Yet he remained humbled, always hard working yet compassionate recognizing God Almighty as his strength. He warns against socialism and believes in free enterprise. It is a rather long book but even if you skim parts you have little interest in, you will find plenty of interest.

[Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read a few hundred autobiographies but nothing like this one. I lost count of all of his near death experiences. From his childhood accidents to his race car crashes, WW1 flying dodges with death to his later plane crashes and being lost at sea for 24 days. One heck of a life. Remarkable all the people he met during his life and all of his travels around the globe. His business ventures we massive, creating his own car company and owning Eastern Airlines.

A movie of his life would have be fantastic (He turned down huge offers) He lived to be 82!

[Andrea Berardi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not normally a huge fan of reading autobiographies, but since the libraries have been closed for months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I borrowed this book from my husband's personal book collection.

WOW! Is is there anything that this dude hasn't done in his life? He was a professional race car driver, fighter pilot, business tycoon, spy and he surviving weeks at sea after a plane wreck. I can't believe this is actually his real life, such an interesting guy!

[Chris Tschirhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite a full life. Professional race car driver, fighter pilot and ace, bankruptcy to business tycoon, international spy, surviving weeks at sea after a plane wreck. The book reads like it's fiction, a good story. I was interested in his role in the establishment and growing of Eastern Airlines, one of the original great four of the American Airline system.

[E B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rickenbacker's life honestly seems beyond something which could have been reality. I knew of him from his automotive ventures, but nothing more. Rickenbacker was a self made man who survived numerous incidents in his life which should have ended him. I was blown away by this book and enjoyed the last chapter about the future this man thought was going to be our future.

[Fred Zeglin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw a review of this book after I read it that said "He never made a mistake and saw everything coming." In some ways it comes off that way. Rickenbacker was a driven self made man, he shared his successes and I would guess forgot most of his failures.

Overall he was an intersting character and led an eventful and frankly historical life.

[Curt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing life story from the race car driver turned aviator in WWI, who went on to run Eastern Airlines. Survived plane crashes and a three week ordeal in the Pacific Ocean. The 1967 autobiography includes a side-helping of anti-socialism.

[Steven Hinman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed it. Best to skip the last chapter where he tries to predict the future. Otherwise an awesome account of a very interesting and patriotic life. And the Lost at Sea chapter tells his incredible survival story!

[Paul Bakely · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting guy.

[Michelle Cain · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best autobiography I've read.

[Antonio Gallo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leggi la recensione qui al link su MEDIUM https://medium.com/la-mia-biblioteca/...

[Isaiah Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost unbelievable. Quite the life.

[Greg Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing, creative, and helpful life. He stood to help others and he stood up for freedom.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing American with an amazing story.

[Heather Clegg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly amazing.

[Beaver · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bombastic, very impressed with himself

[Andy Ponticelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like a good sandwich - entertaining and engaging in the beginning and in the end. The middle was a little slow and lacking (IMO), but overall a good book about a very impressive patriot.

[Sam Dye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into O'Keefe's Book Store and asked for anything on WWI and was given this book. At first I had the impulse to give it back to Mr. O'Keefe, but then I thought that since I didn't know much about "Capt Eddie" I had better take it. What happened was that I got an exciting tour of the early days of Columbus, Ohio, including the importance of child labor. He started factory work at age 13 and in the seventh grade (the laws said 14 and graduated from the 8th but he "stretched the truth". He was involved in the automobile business at an early age and began racing cars. When WWI started he had to push his way into being a pilot and he became American Ace of Aces. When the war was just ending there was not supposed to be any flying but he took off and flew over the battlefield and records this: "I glanced at my watch. One minute to 11:00, thirty seconds, fifteen. And then it was 11:00 AM, the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. I was the only audience for the greatest show ever presented. On both sides of no-man's-land, the trenches erupted. Brown-uniformed men poured out of the American trenches, gray-green uniforms out of the German. From my observer's seat overhead, I watched them throw their helmets in the air, discard their guns, wave their hands. Then all up and down the front, the two groups of men began edging toward each other across no-man's land. Seconds before they had been willing to shoot each other; now they came forward. Hesitantly at first, then more quickly, each group approached the other. Suddenly gray uniforms mixed with brown. I could see them hugging each other, dancing, jumping. American were passing out cigarettes and chocolate. I flew up to the French sector. There it was even more incredible. After four years of slaughter and hatred, they were not only hugging each other but kissing each other on both cheeks as well. Star shells, rockets and flares began to go up, and I turned my ship toward the field. The war was over." Page 135

So that is just one of the many gifts of this book. Another was his knowledge of the Russians that came from an unprecedented vist there in 1943, and the understanding he developed. He reported back that the US should begin getting Churchill (who he visited as well) and Stalin together now and establish a relationship or otherwise Stalin would run roughshod over them at the end of the war. He was ignored (FDR refused to see him) and we know what happened. His business skills and management of Eastern Airlines were way ahead of the times. It was the only airline that didn't take subsidies. I could go on and on, but you get the point that is it is a truly remarkable book.

[Todd Fowler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fantastic at times, annoying and boring at other times. He lived an amazing life, with many, many brushes with death. Toward the end of the book when he starts ranting about politics, and bragging about his political clout is when I had to force myself to slog through.

[Paul Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This man helped shape the airline industry. When he was young he was a race car driver. At the age of twenty seven he joined the forces in WWI as a fighter pilot. On the early morning of November 11, 1918, he flew across the lines that separated the armies. What he witnessed at eleven o'clock was troops of men, tired of war and blood, rush out and meet each other to finalize the end of the war. He was an ace during that conflict. He was an amazing man. He crashed in the Pacific Ocean and was adrift for many days before being rescued. I do hope that this giant of a man will not be forgotten in the annals of history. He was as true an American who has ever lived. There is so much more to his life than this short comment can show. Great, Great book by an ever greater man.

[Kaila Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite books. I could have lived without the racing parts, but it was interesting to see how technology changed throughout his life and knowing that he had a hand in much of it. Loved the war stories and especially his account of being lost at sea. I appreciate how he shares his faith through the book as I am a Christian. I am going to have my sons read this when they are old enough as I believe the captain is a good role model.

Also, I found it kind of embarrassing reading his predictions of the future of travel as they were way off.

[mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's possible Eddie Rickenbacker led the most interesting life in the 20th century. I knew nothing about him prior to being handed this book by my father-in-law and was dumbfounded that he escaped my radar up until a few years ago. If you have any interest in aviation, survival, auto racing, or the military Rickenbacker was at the forefront of them all throughout his life. Despite all of his accomplishments he's able to tell the story of his lie in a humble and enjoyable way for the reader.