Eaker, Ira Clarence

Date of birth:: April 13th, 1896 (Field Creek/Texas, United States)
Date of death:: April 6th, 1987 (Field Creek/Texas, United States)
Buried on:: Arlington National Cemetery
Plot: 30. Grave: 490-2.
Service number:: 0-7478
Nationality:: American

Biography

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Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Rank:: Captain
Awarded on:: 1927

"For extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight. Capitan Eaker, as one of the pilots of the airplane SAN FRANCISCO during the Pan American flight, 21 December 1926 to 2 May 1927, displayed initiative, resourcefulness and a high degree of skill under the many trying conditions encountered throughout the flight. His tireless energy, sound judgment, and personal courage contributed materially to the successful completion of this mission of good will. In the efficient performance of his arduous duties he aided in the accomplishment of an exploit which brought great credit to himself and to the Army of the United States."

War Department, General Orders No. 6

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Rank:: Captain
Awarded on:: 1929

"For extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight. From 1 to 7 January 1929, Captain Eaker acted as relief pilot of the airplane Question Mark on the refueling flight, at and near Los Angeles, California, which remained in the air a total of 150 hours 40 minutes and 15 seconds, a period of continuous flight longer than any previous flight ever accomplished. By his endurance, resourcefulness, and determination he demonstrated future possibilities in aviation which were heretofore not appreciated, and thus reflected great credit upon himself and the Army of the United States."

War Department, General Orders No. 7

Silver Star Medal (SSM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Lieutenant General
Unit:: Eighth Air Force, U.S. Army Air Forces
Awarded on:: 1942

Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 18

Distinguished Service Medal - Army (DSM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Lieutenant General
Unit:: Eighth Air Force, U.S. Army Air Forces
Awarded on:: April 17th, 1944

"For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Commander of the United States Air Forces in the United Kingdom, and EIGHTH Air Force from December 1942 to 7 January 1944. Upon assuming command of this unit General Eaker devoted himself to building a formidable air force. Largely due his individual efforts and in a minimum of time he overcame shortages then existing with respect to competent and trained personnel and combat equipment of all types. Tactics for large scale daylight bombing had not been developed. However, General Eaker's brilliant assessment of enemy strengths and intentions, together with his outstanding resourcefulness, led to sound decisions and the ultimate in operational performance. His personality, ability, and untiring effort won the respect and admiration of our British Allies with whom he was in constant contact, thus enhancing our prestige and establishing a firm foundation of mutual confidence for future operations. General Eaker, by his noteworthy achievement as an organizer, unlimited display of initiative, energy, outstanding leadership, and his untiring devotion to duty, together with his penetrating analysis of the military situation, made an invaluable contribution to the success of air operations over Europe. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Eaker and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces."

War Department, General Orders No. 31

Distinguished Service Medal - Army (DSM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Lieutenant General
Unit:: Mediterranean Allied Air Forces (MAAF), Allied Forces
Awarded on:: April 10th, 1945

"For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Commander in Chief of the Mediterranean Allied Air Forces, from 15 January 1944 to 25 March 1945. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Eaker and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces."

War Department, General Orders No. 27 (Awarded as Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster on the ribbon of the first medal)

Distinguished Service Medal - Army (DSM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Lieutenant General
Awarded on:: June 20th, 1947

"For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility, culminating as Deputy Commander of the Army Air Forces and Chief of the Air Staff from April 1945 to May 1947. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Eaker culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces."

War Department, General Orders No. 58 (Awarded as Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster on the ribbon of the first medal)

Distinguished Service Medal - Navy/USMC

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Lieutenant General
Unit:: Mediterranean Allied Air Forces (MAAF), Allied Forces

"For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Commanding General, Mediterranean Allied Air Forces, during the landings at Anzio on 22 January 1944 and at Southern France on 15 August 1944. Because of General Eaker's keen appreciation of the requirements for inter-service cooperation, the invasion of Southern France was an outstanding example of the great success that can be attained by close working arrangements between the Air Forces and the Navy during the planning and execution stages of an amphibious operation."