David Edward Rickenbacker
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David
was born on January 4, 1925, though little else is known about his early
life. He received his education at boarding and military schools during
the 1930s and early 1940s. In 1943 he joined the U.S. Marines and "serve[d]
with distinction in the Pacific." During boot camp, David suffered because
of his name. His base's public information officer pulled David away from
his unit and training for photo opportunities with every VIP who passed
through. David's drill seargent made him pay for his absences with extra
duty.
After completing his Marine service, David attended and graduated from
Hamilton College in New York. He married Patricia Ann Browne of Utica,
and together they managed the ranch Eddie had bought in Texas in 1955.
David and his family returned to New York in 1957. Thereafter he worked
for the United States Trust Company, bought a home in Upper Montclair,
New Jersey, and reared three children, Brian, Marcia, and Nancy.
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