Ira Clarence Eaker

	IRA CLARENCE EAKER Lieutenant General U.S. Air Force Tactician - Airpower Advocate Combat Commander
	Born Field Creek, Texas, 13 April 1896. Began his 30 year distinguished military career in 1917, and was rated Military Pilot in October 1918. Captain Eaker participated in the 1926-27 US Army Air Corps Pan-American Goodwill Flight, and for this feat was one of the first to receive US Distinguished Flying Cross. In 1929 he was one of the pilots of the Army Fokker "Question Mark" which established a world endurance record of 150 hours. In early 1942 General Eaker was sent to England to organize and command the US bomber forces, a task he brilliantly accomplished under difficult circumstances. A pilots' pilot he personally led the first B-17 mission against the continent. Developed fundamental new concepts of airpower employment, and was appointed Commander of all US Air Forces in England. Retired from active duty as Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Forces in 1947.
	Elected to the International Aerospace Hall of Fame 1981