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Edward Rickenbacker, 1890-1973
Amelia Earhart, 1897-1937
Edward Rickenbacker and Amelia Earhart were pioneers in the early history of American aviation. Rickenbacker became a national hero during World War I as a member of the first American aerosquadron to enter combat on the western front. During that conflict he shot down more German airplanes and balloons than any other American pilot, an achievement that led to a career in the burgeoning aviation and automobile industries. Earhart achieved similar fame as a pilot. The first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic, Earhart tirelessly promoted opportunities for women in aviation before losing her life in 19387 during an attempt to circumnavigate the globe.
This photograph was taken at the 1935 Indianapolis 500 auto race. As the owner of the Indianapolis Speedway and an official at the American Automobile Association, Rickenbacker had invited Earhart to serve as the referee at this Memorial Day classic.
Margaret Bourke-White, 1935 |