The "Ace of Aces" eluded the clutches of oblivion Tuesday night.
The City Council agreed to retain Eddie Rickenbacker as the honorary name of a street in the Salt Lake International Center. The street will be known as both 5600 West and North Eddie Rickenbacker Drive.Companies located on the road will use 5600 West as a mailing address. But street signs will bear both names.
Megahertz requested the street name change. Its customer service representatives had to spell and explain the name repeatedly.
Karl Ryser Jr., Megahertz vice president, said the company meant no disrespect for Rickenbacker.
Rickenbacker was the most decorated pilot of World War I, founder of Rickenbacker Motor Co., owner of Indianapolis Speedway and Eastern Airlines president.
Three members of the Utah chapter of Veterans of Foreign Wars told the council they adamantly opposed dropping Rickenbacker's name from the street; they agreed with the compromise.