In support of an official event 

The Museum will be closed Sunday, May 25
In addition, the Presidential Gallery will be closed Saturday, May 24

Normal hours will resume on Monday, May 26
 

Image Gallery

Edward V. Rickenbacker- AEF Chauffeur

Although he was recruited to serve as General Pershing’s chauffeur, Rickenbacker primarily drove for Major Townsend F. Dodd, a subordinate to Lt Col William B. Mitchell. As Mitchell and Dodd toured various regions in France, the effect of airpower began to emerge, and made a lasting impression on the three men. Mitchell was impressed with Rickenbacker’s mechanical abilities, and eventually reassigned Rickenbacker to be his own personal chauffeur. Leveraging his superior’s admiration, Rickenbacker asked Mitchell for a transfer – he wanted to become a pilot. Mitchell approved the transfer, and on August 23, 1917, Sgt Edward Rickenbacker reported to the Aviation Training School in Tours, France.

PHOTO BY: Unknown
VIRIN: 180223-F-IO108-001.JPG
FULL SIZE: 1.89 MB
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IMAGE IS PUBLIC DOMAIN

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