Editing Eddie Rickenbacker (section)

=== Pre–U.S. entry ===

While in England, Rickenbacker watched [[Royal Flying Corps]] airplanes fly over the Thames from the [[Brooklands]] aerodrome. He began to consider a role in aviation if the United States entered the European war. The month before, while he had been in Los Angeles, Rickenbacker had had two chance encounters with aviators. [[Glenn L. Martin|Glenn Martin]], founder of [[Glenn L. Martin Company]] and more recently with [[Wright-Martin|Wright-Martin Aircraft]], gave Rickenbacker his first ride aloft. Next, Major [[Townsend F. Dodd]] was stranded with his plane in a field and Rickenbacker diagnosed a magneto problem. Dodd later became General [[John J. Pershing]]'s aviation officer and an important contact in Rickenbacker's attempt to join air combat.<ref>{{cite book |last=Maurer |first=Maurer |title=The U.S. Air Service in World War I, Volume II: Early Concepts of Military Aviation |year=1978 |pages=75–88 |publisher=DIANE Publishing |location=Washington, D.C.}}</ref>

Back in the United States after the revelation of the [[Zimmermann Telegram]], Rickenbacker shared his idea for an aero squadron composed of race car drivers and mechanics with a ''[[New York Times]]'' reporter: "War would practically put a stop to racing, and we have a training that our country would need in the time of war. We are experts in judging speed and in motor knowledge."<ref>"Flying Corps of Daring Racing Drives Plan if War Comes." ''The New York Times''. February 18, 1917, p. XX2.</ref> His theory was that such men, accustomed to tight confines and making split-second decisions at high speeds, would make excellent fighter pilots, though his idea was ignored by the military. After the April 6 declaration of war by the United States, Rickenbacker went to Washington, D.C. to propose his idea without success.