---
title: "Fighter pilot Eddie Rickenbacker was the WWI ‘Ace of Aces’"
date: "2018-06-25"
modified: "2020-10-22"
authors:
  - name: "Team Mighty"
    job_title: "Author"
    link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/teammighty.md"
url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/watch/fighter-pilot-eddie-rickenbacker-was-the-wwi-ace-of-aces/"
categories:
  - "History"
  - "War History"
  - "World War I"
---

# Fighter pilot Eddie Rickenbacker was the WWI ‘Ace of Aces’

![](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17301969/origin.jpg>)

Captain Edward Rickenbacker was one of the few American fighter pilots to earn the title "Ace of Aces," given by the press for his 26 kills in World War I. He is arguably one of the most [decorated service members to ever live](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/articles/the-5-most-decorated-troops-in-american-history.md>).

---

But before he was a decorated hero, Rickenbacker was a professional race car driver who almost wasn't allowed to fly.

You can read more about the[ WWI Ace of Aces and his achievements here](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-trending/this-is-how-eddie-rickenbacker-earned-7-service-crosses-and-the-medal-of-honor.md>).

## Author
Team Mighty's experience encompasses intel, special ops, military history, tactical expertise, aviation, gear, and weapons. Authors on Team Mighty include veterans, spouses, and active and reserve service members from every branch of the military, as well as former CIA employees.

## More

- [This World War I hero wanted to recruit race car drivers to be fighter pilots](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/articles/world-war-hero-wanted-recruit-race-car-drivers-fighter-pilots.md>)
- [Why World War I pilot Eddie Rickenbacker is such a legendary hero](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-history/why-world-war-i-pilot-eddie-rickenbacker-is-such-a-legendary-aviation-hero.md>)
- [This is how Eddie Rickenbacker earned 7 service crosses and the Medal of Honor](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-trending/this-is-how-eddie-rickenbacker-earned-7-service-crosses-and-the-medal-of-honor.md>)
- [How World War I ace Eddie Rickenbacker survived 24 days at sea](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/history/how-world-war-i-ace-eddie-rickenbacker-survived-24-days-at-sea.md>)
- [These pilots became aces in a single day during WWI](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/history/aces-of-wwi-top-pilots.md>)
- [The 5 most decorated troops in American history](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/articles/the-5-most-decorated-troops-in-american-history.md>)
- [The near-suicidal way American pilots played possum in WWI](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-trending/world-war-pilot-fake-death.md>)
- [The 9 greatest fighter pilots you’ve never heard of](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-history/greatest-fighter-pilots.md>)