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Barksdale AFB in Bossier Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)
 

General Ira C. Eaker

Aviation Pioneer and Airpower Leader

— 1896-1987 —

 
 
General Ira C. Eaker Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, November 3, 2017
1. General Ira C. Eaker Marker
Inscription. General Ira C. Eaker was a farm boy from Eden, Texas who became one of history's most famous air commanders. From April 15, 1942 to December 1, 1943 General Eaker commanded VIII Bomber Command (later redesignated Eighth Air Force) from his command post in the Wycombe Abbey School for Girls. From this base, known during World War II by the code name "Pinetree," General Eaker directed "The Mighty Eighth" in precision daylight bombardment of Nazi Germany clearing the way for the Allied invasion of Normandy on D-Day. He was never one for long-winded speeches, but shortly after his arrival in High Wycombe, the town mayor invited General Eaker to address a large gathering of townspeople. This is the full text of his speech...

"We won't do much talking until we've done more fighting. After we've gone, we hope you'll be glad we came."

This sculpture, depicting General Eaker as he appeared when he served at High Wycombe, was sculped by Lt. General Jerry McKenna who was commander at High Wycombe Air Station between 1975 to 1978.

Lower plaque
At the request of the "First Lady of the Eighth Air Force," Mrs. Ruth A. Eaker, this bronze likeness of her husband, General Ira C. Eaker, was returned to the United States when the original home of the World War II Headquarters, VIII Bomber Command, High
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Wycombe Air Station, England, was closed in late 1993.
Through the efforts of General Russell E. Dougherty, Commander of Second Air Force from 3 April 1972 and Commander-In-Chief of Strategic Air Command from 1 August 1974 to 1 August 1977, Barksdale Air Force Base, now Headquarters for the historic "Mighty Eighth" Air Force, was chosen as the new home for General Eaker's sculpture.
 
Erected 1994.
 
Topics. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Air & SpaceWar, World II. A significant historical date for this entry is April 15, 1942.
 
Location. 32° 30.689′ N, 93° 40.886′ W. Marker is in Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, in Bossier Parish. Memorial can be reached from Range Road, 0.1 miles north of Shreveport Road. Located on Barksdale AFB near the 8th Air Force Museum. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Barksdale AFB LA 71110, United States of America. Touch for directions.
 
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 1999 Omar N. Bradley Spirit of Independence Award (here, next to this marker); Major General Lewis Elton Lyle (a few steps from this marker); 34th Bomb Group Memorial (a few steps from this marker); General Joseph J. Nazzaro (a few steps from this marker); SR-71 Memorial Dedication (within shouting distance of this marker); "Hell's Angels"
General Ira C. Eaker Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, November 3, 2017
2. General Ira C. Eaker Marker
(within shouting distance of this marker); 486th Bombardment Group (H) (within shouting distance of this marker); 344th Bomb Group (M) AAF (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Barksdale AFB.
 
Also see . . .  Ira Clarence Eaker at FindAGrave.com. (Submitted on November 6, 2017, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)
 
General Ira C. Eaker Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, November 3, 2017
3. General Ira C. Eaker Marker
U.S. Army LtGen Ira C. Eaker, deputy commander of the Army Air Forces image. Click for full size.
Photographed By US Air Force photo
4. U.S. Army LtGen Ira C. Eaker, deputy commander of the Army Air Forces
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on October 26, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 6, 2017, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 443 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos:   1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 6, 2017, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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Mar. 28, 2024