Stand near the red Captain Edward V. Rickenbacker exhibit case.

Columbus, Ohio native Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker was a race car driver who entered World War I as a staff driver and emerged as the leading U.S. ace with 26 confirmed victories over the enemy. At his insistence, he was permitted to join a flight unit, first being assigned as a student at the Aviation Training School at Tours, France. In March 1918, he was assigned to the 94th Aero Squadron, the famed “Hat in the Ring” Squadron, and he was in action the next month, flying his Nieuport fighter over the lines against the enemy. By June 1, 1918, Rickenbacker had become an ace, with five victories to his credit. He was put in command of the 94th Aero Squadron and continued as its leader until his return to the United States on January 27, 1919, where he was hailed as America’s “Ace of Aces.” He was awarded the nation’s highest honor, the Medal of Honor, which is on display in this exhibit case.

After World War I, Rickenbacker returned to auto racing and became president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He later became an aviation executive and an adviser for the U.S. Army Air Forces in World War II. He died in 1973 and is buried at Greenlawn Cemetery in Columbus.