William W. Eagles

Major General William Willis Eagles (January 12, 1895 − February 19, 1988) was a decorated officer in the United States Army. A graduate of the United States Military Academy (USMA), he is most noted for his service during World War II as Commanding General (CG) of the 45th Infantry Division from 1943 to 1944.

Following the end of the war, Eagles remained in the army and served as CG of the 9th Infantry Division, following by CG Ryukyus Command, Okinawa or Inspector-General of the Army's European Command, before retiring from military service in 1953.

Early life and military career William Willis Eagles was born on January 12, 1895, in Albion, Indiana, as the son of Edward and Maud Eagles. He graduated from Albion High School in May 1913 and received an appointment to the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point, New York, soon afterwards. He graduated, 62nd in a class of 139, from there in April 1917, shortly after the American entry into World War I, with a Bachelor's degree and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Infantry Branch of the United States Army. He rose to the rank of first lieutenant in May 1917 and then to captain in August He then served as Professor of Military Science & Tactics at Ripon College in Ripon, Wisconsin, for five years and returned to the Infantry School as an instructor with the permanent rank of captain. He was promoted to major on October 1, 1932, while in this capacity.

After being withdrawn, the 45th Division, under Eagles, began conducting training in amphibious warfare, having been selected to participate in the Allied invasion of Southern France (codenamed Operation Dragoon). The operation began on August 15, 1944, with the 45th landing at St. Maxime. Eagles commanded his 45th Division during the liberation of Epinal and Rambervillers in September of that year, before advancing on to the Vosges mountains. On November 30, Eagles was seriously wounded when the jeep in which he was riding struck a land mine and forced his evacuation to the United States, with his position as commanding general (CG) of the 45th going to Brigadier General Robert T. Frederick, formerly the commander of the First Special Service Force. For his service during Operation Dragoon, Eagles received his second Army Distinguished Service Medal, as well as a Purple Heart. The government of France bestowed him with the Legion of Honour, rank Commander and Croix de guerre 1939-1945 with Palm. They have a son, Edward, and a daughter, Anne.

Decorations The ribbon bar of Major General William W. Eagles: