Eddie Rickenbacker

If anyone would like to see a letter and pictures from Cap'n Eddie to me in the mid 60's I'll be glad to share them with you. I was a personal friend with Eddie and have many pics and wonderfull memories of him in upper Montclair NJ

Ah, Cap'n Eddie died in 1973.

Dear Karl,
You are a fortunate man, I recently bid for a letter signed by Eddie but was beaten at the auction, I would be pleased to see any material that you have.
Best wishes from Wales
Bryan

Send me your email address and I'll scan some things for you.
Carl

My e-mail is
bryan_barry.wilson@virgin.nett

thank you and best wishes
Bryan

I wrote this to Jim earlier this eve and I thought I'd share it with Rickenbacker admirers. One Helluva a guy !
I was 10 years old when I met Eddie and his wife ( did you know she committed suicide 2 years after Eddie's death ? ) in NYC and the only thing I remember was not being able to speak the minute I walked into his office but after a few minutes I relaxed and he showed me around his office, it was truly unreal ! We talked for over an hour and his wife came in ( I was with my mom ) and asked us if we had lunch and they took us down to Rockefeller center and spent the better part of the afternoon together. He spoke of growing up to be a good man and honoring my parents, this at a time when the Vietnam war was raging which he strongly opposed as well as our involvement in WW-2 but strongly supported our effort when we became involved also. I do know he had a dogfight with MvR and shot him down but I'd better look in "Fighting the Flying Circus" to make sure. He was an extreme right winger and somewhat controversial but in my opinion was one of the top 10 figures of the 20th century. I received many letters from him when I moved to Dallas TX. Sad story in which I am still frustrated. My younger brother took my 1st edition signed copy of Eddie's autobiography (without my permission ) to show and tell in grammer school back in 1972 and when he got off the bus after school left it on the lawn in the middle of a rainstorm and the book as well as a full page letter were completely destroyed. Forgive and forget....... I guess.
When I left Eddie's office after the greatest afternoon of my life he gave me a big hug and wished me a safe journey to Dallas and told me Braniff airlines was very safe ( my first flight ) and he would write me when I got there. An incredible man and an unforgettable experiance.

<<I do know he had a dogfight with MvR and shot him down>>

Didn't happen. Rickenbacker's first confirmed victory was on 29 April 1918, over a Pfalz DIII. MvR was killed on 21 April. No offense meant; our memories can sometimes play those tricks - and I envy you meeting Capn' Eddie, even at such a young age. Hang onto that letter!

Rich

[Vin]

Are you sure about that, Rich ? Rickenbacker received a DSC for a victory on 29 April (over an Albatros monoplane ?). Would he be decorated for his first victory ?


Vin

Would you like to see a picture of Rickenbacker's grave? Go to www.findagrave.com and type in "Rickenbacker".

[Reinout]

Carl,

If it's not too much trouble, can you send me whatever you were scanning in to me as well?

It's best to send it to me #2 e-mail address: Rudolfwindisch@hotmail.com (it's a tribute).

Kind regards,

Reinout