Dare Devil Eddie Won't Quit Army
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Rickbacher Has Two Broken Ear Drums, But Continues Flying.
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Eddie Rickenbacher, the former automobile racing star, who is now America's foremost flying ace in France, and who recently was decorated with the Distinguished Service Cross, never knew the meaning of "quit" in his daredevil days on the speedways, and his wonderful spirit is more prominently in evidence now than ever. It is learned that the great flyer has been in a hospital in Paris suffering from an injury received in the cloud battle in which he downed a Boche plane. Both of Rickenbacher's eardrums are split. Recent dispatches mentioned the fact that the aviator had been injured, but failed to supply details. A letter written by him to Priscilla Dean, motion picture actress, discloses the real nature of his injuries. The letter, couched in the breezily amusing style characteristic of Rickenbacher, was penned by him from his hospital cot and was received by Miss Dean at her home in Los Angeles. It said: "Hello, My California Sunshine: Your letter and photograph received. Gee! I'd give some years of my life to have just one week in California, but no, I must stay to the finish, for there is a lot to be done. Have been in a Paris hospital with broken eardrums, which have given me some trouble. Will probably be in for a few more weeks. Hello to mother and all the boys and girls. Write when convenient. As ever, Rick of Old."
New Castle News (New Castle, Pennsylvania) - Saturday, October 26, 1918
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