Ace of Aces
Eddie Rickenbacker was one the greatest heroes of World War I and II. As leader of the famous 94th Aero, “Hat in the Ring,” Squadron he posted twenty-six victories over enemy aircraft in the First World War, earning the distinction of “Ace of Aces.” For his heroism in aerial combat he was awarded nine Distinguished Service Crosses and the Medal of Honor. After the war he went into the business world as owner and manager of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and chief executive officer of Eastern Airlines.
In 1941 Rickenbacker was involved in a near-fatal airplane crash near Atlanta and was hospitalized for months. While still recovering from multiple injuries sustained in the crash, be agreed to become the personal envoy of the secretary of war, Henry Stimson. He traveled around the world to give encouragement to armed forces personnel and to gauge the effectiveness of U.S. tactics and equipment.
While flying from Hawaii to the island of Canton in 1942, his B-17 ditched in the middle of the Pacific. With seven other survivors, he spent twenty-four days lost at sea. He credited prayer and the miraculous arrival of a seagull for his survival. He was a devout Christian and wrote the following heartfelt prayer. When he spoke of the “valley of the shadow of death,” he had more first-hand knowledge than probably any other living man.
O Lord, I thank thee for the strength and blessings thou hast given me, and even though I have walked through the valley of the shadow of death, I feared no evil, for thy rod and thy staff comforted me even unto the four corners of the world. I have sinned, O Lord, but through thy mercy thou hast shown me the light of thy saving grace.
In thy care we are entrusting our boys and girls in the Services scattered throughout the entire world, and we know that in thee they are finding their haven of hope. Be with our leaders, O Lord; give them wisdom to lead us to a spiritual victory, as well as a physical one. And until that day, be with those at home—strengthen them for whatever may lie ahead… In Jesus’ name I ask it. Amen.524
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
—Psalms 23:5–6