Eddie Rickenbacker in WWI
World War I produced the first generation of the modern fighter pilot. Two of the most well-known of these were Frank Luke Jr and Eddie Rickenbacker. It was a physically and mentally demanding engagement; therefore even those who failed to reach fame during the war should be celebrated. Rickenbacker recognized this, along with a multitude of other discrepancies. This is what set him apart from his reckless counterpart; Frank Luke Jr. Eddie Rickenbacker had a greater impact on the war because of his commitment to the cause, his consistency, and leadership of his squadron.
Eddie Rickenbacker had met a number of European pilots by the time the United States decided to enter the war in 1917. He had become a fairly famous …show more content…
In his first mission, upon his return he was chastised for going out with proper approval. He immediately took full responsibility. In another example of his leadership, one of the squad mates became disoriented, turning the opposite direction in which the rest of the sortie was going. He turned back and communicated through his airplane to indicate to the lost pilot to follow him. They both landed safely. Along with this, it is clear from the book which he wrote that he considered a majority of his comrades worthy of more praise than himself. Contrary to this approach, Frank Luke Jr took pride in being a “lone wolf.” While he was an inspiration to many soldiers, he did little to actually help his squadron in anything except kill count. A true leader is humble, and always lifting his subordinates up, just as Rickenbacker did.
Through research of both Frank Luke Jr and Eddie Rickenbacker, it becomes clear who was more impactful in the war. Luke was inspirational. He fought the Germans with a vigor that inspired soldiers throughout the war. Still, Rickenbacker was as much of inspiration and also made other contributions. He sought out joining the armed forces. He was a consistent, well-adjusted, good soldier, and put his men first. He was clearly the superior, and more impactful of the
World War I produced the first generation of the modern fighter pilot. Two of the most well-known of these were Frank Luke Jr and Eddie Rickenbacker. It was a physically and mentally demanding engagement; therefore even those who failed to reach fame during the war should be celebrated. Rickenbacker recognized this, along with a multitude of other discrepancies. This is what set him apart from his reckless counterpart; Frank Luke Jr. Eddie Rickenbacker had a greater impact on the war because of his commitment to the cause, his consistency, and leadership of his squadron.
Eddie Rickenbacker had met a number of European pilots by the time the United States decided to enter the war in 1917. He had become a fairly famous …show more content…
In his first mission, upon his return he was chastised for going out with proper approval. He immediately took full responsibility. In another example of his leadership, one of the squad mates became disoriented, turning the opposite direction in which the rest of the sortie was going. He turned back and communicated through his airplane to indicate to the lost pilot to follow him. They both landed safely. Along with this, it is clear from the book which he wrote that he considered a majority of his comrades worthy of more praise than himself. Contrary to this approach, Frank Luke Jr took pride in being a “lone wolf.” While he was an inspiration to many soldiers, he did little to actually help his squadron in anything except kill count. A true leader is humble, and always lifting his subordinates up, just as Rickenbacker did.
Through research of both Frank Luke Jr and Eddie Rickenbacker, it becomes clear who was more impactful in the war. Luke was inspirational. He fought the Germans with a vigor that inspired soldiers throughout the war. Still, Rickenbacker was as much of inspiration and also made other contributions. He sought out joining the armed forces. He was a consistent, well-adjusted, good soldier, and put his men first. He was clearly the superior, and more impactful of the