- Highest scoring American ace during World War I from 1917 to 1918 with 26 credited aerial kills.
- Has a military base in southeast Columbus, Ohio named after him. The base was used in the movie Air Force One (1997).
- President and majority stockholder of Eastern Airlines.
- Awarded the Medal of Honor for actions in World War I. The citation reads: "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy near Billy, France, 25 September 1918. While on a voluntary patrol over the lines, 1st Lt. Rickenbacker attacked 7 enemy planes (5 type Fokker, protecting two type Halberstadt). Disregarding the odds against him, he dived on them and shot down one of the Fokkers out of control. He then attacked one of the Halberstadts and sent it down also.".
- Purchased the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with some associates in 1927 and sold it to Tony Hulman in 1945.
- Pictured on a 60¢ US definitive postage stamp, issued 10 September 1995.
- Inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 2004.
- Inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1992.
- Inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 1994 (Historic category).
- Inducted into the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame in 1999.
- Inducted into the Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame in 2011.
- Inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame in 1973.
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content