Eareckson, William Olmstead "Eric"

Date of birth:: May 30th, 1900 (Baltimore/Maryland, United States)
Date of death:: October 25th, 1966
Buried on:: Arlington National Cemetery
Plot: 37. Grave: 692.
Service number:: 239A
Nationality:: American

Biography

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Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Colonel
Unit:: 23rd Composite Group, U.S. Army Air Forces
Awarded on:: July 16th, 1942

"The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Colonel (Air Corps) William Olmstead Eareckson (AFSN: 239A), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy in aerial combat while serving as Pilot of a B-26 Medium Bomber and as Commander, 23d Composite Group, ELEVENTH Air Force, in action against the Japanese forces in the Aleutian Area, 3 June 1942 to 18 June 1942. From the time of the initial attack on Dutch Harbor he declined to conduct the operations of his Group in the normal manner. Instead of remaining in the comparative safety of his headquarters, he repeatedly took to the air in direct personal attacks against the enemy and personally filled the gap on numerous flights by acting in every capacity from first pilot to that of gunner. This example of intrepid leadership, in utter disregard of his own personal safety was the spark that inspired his entire command to heroic efforts in the face of tremendous obstacles of weather, terrain and enemy opposition. His conspicuous example of courage and leadership is worthy of the highest praise and reflect great credit upon himself, the 11th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces."

Headquarters, Alaska Defense Command, General Orders No. 61

Navy Cross

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Colonel
Unit:: XI Bomber Command, U.S. Army Air Forces
Awarded on:: July 16th, 1942

"The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Colonel (Air Corps) William Olmstead Eareckson, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism while participating in aerial flight while serving with the Bomber Command, ELEVENTH Air Force, during the seizure and occupation of enemy-held Attu Island, Territory of Alaska, from June 1942 to August 1942. Upon one occasion during these operations, Colonel Eareckson personally piloted his aircraft into a fog-shrouded and narrow pass on Attu Island to lead a supply plane to a group of U.S. troops suffering from exhaustion and frostbite. The supplies thus delivered undoubtedly contributed materially to the saving of their lives. Throughout the assault on Attu, Colonel Eareckson repeatedly flew extremely close to enemy anti-aircraft gun positions, deliberately drawing their fire, thus causing them to reveal their positions. He followed up these tactics by directing air attacks against the enemy positions so revealed, which resulted in neutralizing or destroying them. In addition, Colonel Eareckson made daily reconnaissance flights over and around Attu Island, and did so on days on which low ceiling and visibility prevented all other aircraft from taking off. His conduct throughout was in accordance with the highest traditions of the United States Military and Naval Forces."

Purple Heart

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Colonel
Unit:: Coordination of Air and Naval Action, U.S. Army Air Forces
Awarded on:: 1943
Awarded for:: Operation Landcrab

Hit by a Japanese sniper on Attu island.

Silver Star Medal (SSM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Colonel
Awarded on:: July 27th, 1944

Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces, Central Pacific Area, General Orders No. 23

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Colonel

"Colonel (Air Corps) William Olmstead Eareckson (AFSN: 239A), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States."

Legion of Merit - US Military

Period:: Korean War (1950-1953)
Rank:: Colonel

"The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Air Corps) William Olmstead Eareckson (AFSN: 239A), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in action against an armed enemy of the United Nations during the period 13 September 1950 to 4 November 1950. As Liaison Officer among Far East Air Forces, Joint Task Force SEVEN, and X Corps, Colonel Eareckson worked indefatigably to secure maximum coordination for the successful accomplishment of the X Corps mission. His expert advice, based on his wide experience and extraordinary knowledge of close air support for ground troops, was invaluable in providing flexible air support for the X Corps during its landing and subsequent rapid advance inland to capture Seoul, Korea. With complete disregard for his own safety, Colonel Eareckson made trips by land as well as by air into areas dominated by the enemy to obtain information for effective coordination. His leadership, technical knowledge, and untiring devotion to duty were invaluable contributing factors in the early success of the X Corps mission, reflecting credit on him and the military service."