Edward Rickenbacker was the American "Aces of Aces". He recorded 26 official victories against German aircraft during WW1 and was awarded the Medal of Honor. Between WW1 and WW2, Rickenbacker bought and administrated the Indianapolis Speedway and became president of Eastern Airlines. In October 1942 he was aboard a B-17 Boomer that crashed in the Pacific ocean while on a secret mission to New Guinea. "Iron Man Eddie" and six companions survived 24 days afloat on life rafts.