Enduring Courage

Ace Pilot Eddie Rickenbacker and the Dawn of the Age of Speed

By: John F. Ross

Narrated by: Edward Herrmann

The sensational true story of Eddie Rickenbacker, America's greatest flying ace

At the turn of the twentieth century two new technologies—the car and airplane—took the nation's imagination by storm as they burst, like comets, into American life. The brave souls that leaped into these dangerous contraptions and pushed them to unexplored extremes became new American heroes: the race car driver and the flying ace.

No individual did more to create and intensify these raw new roles than the tall, gangly Eddie Rickenbacker, who defied death over and over with such courage and pluck that a generation of Americans came to know his face better than the president's. The son of poor, German-speaking Swiss immigrants in Columbus, Ohio, Rickenbacker overcame the specter of his father's violent death, a debilitating handicap, and, later, accusations of being a German spy, to become the American military ace of aces in World War I and a Medal of Honor recipient. He and his high-spirited, all-too-short-lived pilot comrades, created a new kind of aviation warfare, as they pushed their machines to the edge of destruction—and often over it—without parachutes, radios, or radar.

Enduring Courage is the electrifying story of the beginning of America's love affair with speed—and how one man above all the rest showed a nation the way forward. No simple daredevil, he was an innovator on the racetrack, a skilled aerial dualist and squadron commander, and founder of Eastern Air Lines. Decades after his heroics against the Red Baron's Flying Circus, he again showed a war-weary nation what it took to survive against nearly insurmountable odds when he and seven others endured a harrowing three-week ordeal adrift without food or water in the Pacific during World War II.

For the first time, Enduring Courage peels back the layers of hero to reveal the man himself. With impeccable research and a gripping narrative, John F. Ross tells the unforgettable story of a man who pushed the limits of speed, endurance and courage and emerged as an American legend.

©2014 John F. Ross (P)2014 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

“An outstanding audio production enhances an outstanding text. As narrator, Edward Herrmann is, as always, matchless. His sustaining voice maintains the tension of the action, while giving weight and purpose to the rich technical and historical background Ross fills in along the way. This is a biography many people will enjoy, sure to be one of the most popular and honored titles of the year.” —AudioFile Magazine

“Edward Herrmann's narration is top-notch, bringing Rickenbacker to life through Ross's words.” —Library Journal

What a story!!!!

Sometimes you can't believe that people like that are real. Do we still have people like that anymore (except in the military)? Love that book. Written like a novel but yes it is a biography which is so unreal when every page is a surprise fact that keeps you speechless.

An Amazing Life

Most Americans can recount the exploits of Charles Lindbergh, but few know the story of Eddie Rickenbacker. This book should be assigned reading in every classroom. Enduring Courage is the essence of this American Hero. I sit back amazed at the strength of will and courage of this man. A true American Hero. The narration is first rate. You will love this book.

A must read!

As a former race car driver, I didn’t know of Eddie’s background as a driver. He’s a guy who has cheated death many times and lived to tell it!

Fascinating story

What did you love best about Enduring Courage?

I knew a little about Eddie Rickenbacker's survival tale during WWII, and I knew he had been a WWI pilot. However, I had no idea Rickenbacker had been a racecar driver during racing's pioneering days. What a colorful and eventful life he lived!

What other book might you compare Enduring Courage to and why?

Unbroken . . . both are tales of true American heroes who overcame tremendous obstacles. If you enjoyed Unbroken, then you may also enjoy Enduring Courage. John F. Ross, like Laura Hillenbrand, is a master story teller, and the talented Edward Herrmann narrated both tales brilliantly.

Which character – as performed by Edward Herrmann – was your favorite?

Eddie Rickenbacker

Any additional comments?

I quite enjoyed the Author's devotion to detail of Eddie Rickenbacker's early life; however, the later chapters seemed a bit hurried and less detailed. Nonetheless, I highly recommend Enduring Courage, and I have purchased written copies as several gifts.

Wonderfully surprising look at a great American

Considering that I am a man who has spent the last five decades reading and seeking out interesting sources of historical input, I am surprised that so awesome a man was virtual unknown to me. This book opened my eyes and I have gone on to find new and exciting books about men who were perhaps more worthy of hero status than guys like our founding fathers.

Eddie was a common man without wealth or influential contacts to open doors and help him succeed. The author John Ross and the narrator Edward Herrman brought Eddie to life as though he was a member of our family.

Enduring Courage

loved the details and the ability of the author tipoff describe the courage and personality of Mr. Rickenbacker. I will be listening to this again.

Amazing man who lived an unforgettable life

I originally choose this book because I thought it would cover Eddies war stories, so I had no idea how extensive his prewar Life was. There are a lot of technical mechanical terms and jargon, which made the book drag A little for me, but he certainly had an extraordinary life. If you're interested in engines, and other such mechanical technical details, you will enjoy this book. I love Edward Herman's narration, that kept me with this book when I felt like stopping several times. Overall I'm glad I read it, it's certainly not my favorite book ever, but I did learn a lot.

Excellent thoughtful piece on Rickenbacker

This is well written and researched. A man, his times, and thoughts about what made the man, why his contributions were important. And more. And entertaining. Throw in the best narrator of all time, Edward Hermann, and you can’t miss.

Exceptional!

One of the most enjoyable books I've "read". Fascinating. A must for any history buff.

Great book

One of the best books I have ever listened to. Wonderful writing Ann Henning Cajun story. I will definitely read listen to this book within the next year because of the richest of the storytelling and the magnificent voice of Edward Herrmann