A racing-car driver in his youth, by 1917 he had established a land speed record of 134 mph/216 kph. He was a leading US fighter pilot during World War I and was later awarded the Conressional Medal of Honor for his wartime service. He purchased Eastern Airlines 1938 leaving briefly to serve as an adviser to the War Department during World War II. Taking on special missions, he ditched his plane in the Pacific Ocean, drifting for 23 days before being rescued.
