Aviation Pioneer and Airpower Leader

—1896-1987 —

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
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.

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