This collection consists of two annual reports, two photograph albums, and a set of microfilm of 26 scrapbooks. The scrapbooks contain newspaper clippings chronicling Rickenbacker's aviation career. The two photo albums are as follows: 'In Commemoration of the Dedication of the Rickenbacker Foundation,' and 'The Great Silver Fleet,' which features imagery from the 1941 Georgia crash. There are also two annual reports: United Aircraft and Transport Corporation First Annual Report to Stockholders,' 1929 and 'Central Airlines Annual Report, 1965.'
Biographical / Historical:
Edward Vernon Rickenbacker (1890-1973) had only a sixth grade education but became a leading aviation figure in both military and civilian circles. Rickenbacker was a fighter ace during World War I, where as a member of the 94th Aero Squadron he shot down 22 German aircraft and 4 observation balloons. He became a colonel in the Army Air Reserves and during WWII helped form the Military Air Transport Services. In the civilian sector, Rickenbacker worked at several airlines, including Fokker Aircraft Corporation and American Airways, before going to work at Eastern Airlines in 1934. In 1939 Rickenbacker became Eastern's president and chairman, positions he held until 1963.
General:
Note: The physical scrapbooks were deaccessioned to Auburn University Library in 1996. The National Air and Space Museum holds a microfilm copy.
NASMrev
Provenance:
Estate of Edward Vernon Rickenbacker, unknown, 1973, XXXX-0525, unknown
Restrictions:
No restrictions on access
Rights:
Material is subject to Smithsonian Terms of Use. Should you wish to use NASM material in any medium, please submit an Application for Permission to Reproduce NASM Material, available at Permissions Requests