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He was a relief driver in the first Indianapolis 500 in 1911 and competed in subsequent races prior to U.S.
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After being introduced to the nascent world of competitive racing, Rickenbacker was hooked. After several factory jobs, he began working at a repair garage and became fascinated by the automobile. | FacebookĪs we celebrate the start of the Indy 500 we want to remember Medal of Honor recipient First Lieutenant Edward Rickenbacker. He went on to become the owner of the Indianapolis Speedway until 1945 and managed track improvements during the Great Depression. 12 years later, he was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Herbert Hoover. On September 25th, he went out on a solo flight and caught sight of seven German aircraft, and was able to take down two before the rest retreated. In February 1918, Rickenbacker was sent to the Champagne region of France where he joined the 94th Aero Squadron. On a visit to England working with the British Sunbeam Motor Company, he was exposed to the mobilization of aircraft for war and tales of high-flying aerial maneuvering reminded him of his experience as a racer. National Medal of Honor Museum - As we celebrate the start of the Indy 500 we want to remember Medal of Honor recipient First Lieutenant Edward Rickenbacker.