Eddie Rickenbacker was an American fighter pilot and war hero during World War I. Born on October 8, 1890, in Columbus, Ohio, he became one of the most celebrated aces of the war, credited with 26 aerial victories. Before his military career, Rickenbacker was a successful race car driver and worked for the Indianapolis 500. After the war, Rickenbacker became a prominent businessman and aviation pioneer. He served as the president of Eastern Air Lines and was instrumental in promoting commercial aviation. Rickenbacker's contributions to both military and civilian aviation have left a lasting legacy in American history.