Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
William
Olmstead
Eareckson
May 30, 1900

–

October 25, 1966

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

As a 17-year-old Private, William Eareckson served in World War I, where he was wounded in action. Following the war he entered West Point with the Class of 1924, before attempting flight training. It was not until 1939 that he at last was able to earn his wings. He retired as a U.S. Air Force Colonel. Eareckson Air Station on Shemya Island in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska is named in his honor.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    Bomber Command

    Division:

    11th Air Force

    Action Date:

    June 1942 – August 1942

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Colonel (Air Corps) William Olmstead Eareckson, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism while participating in aerial flight while serving with the Bomber Command, ELEVENTH Air Force, during the seizure and occupation of enemy-held Attu Island, Territory of Alaska, from June 1942 to August 1942. Upon one occasion during these operations, Colonel Eareckson personally piloted his B-26 aircraft into a fog-shrouded and narrow pass on Attu Island to lead a supply plane to a group of U.S. troops suffering from exhaustion and frostbite. The supplies thus delivered undoubtedly contributed materially to the saving of their lives. Throughout the assault on Attu, Colonel Eareckson repeatedly flew extremely close to enemy anti-aircraft gun positions, deliberately drawing their fire, thus causing them to reveal their positions. He followed up these tactics by directing air attacks against the enemy positions so revealed, which resulted in neutralizing or destroying them. In addition, Colonel Eareckson made daily reconnaissance flights over and around Attu Island, and did so on days on which low ceiling and visibility prevented all other aircraft from taking off. His conduct throughout was in accordance with the highest traditions of the United States Military and Naval Forces.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Air Corps) William Olmstead Eareckson (AFSN: 239A), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    23d Composite Group

    Division:

    11th Air Force

    Action Date:

    June 3 – 18, 1942
    Headquarters, Alaska Defense Command, General Orders No. 61 (July 16, 1942)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Colonel (Air Corps) William Olmstead Eareckson (AFSN: 239A), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy in aerial combat while serving as Pilot of a B-26 Medium Bomber and as Commander, 23d Composite Group, ELEVENTH Air Force, in action against the Japanese forces in the Aleutian Area, 3 June 1942 to 18 June 1942. From the time of the initial attack on Dutch Harbor he declined to conduct the operations of his Group in the normal manner. Instead of remaining in the comparative safety of his headquarters, he repeatedly took to the air in direct personal attacks against the enemy and personally filled the gap on numerous flights by acting in every capacity from first pilot to that of gunner. This example of intrepid leadership, in utter disregard of his own personal safety was the spark that inspired his entire command to heroic efforts in the face of tremendous obstacles of weather, terrain and enemy opposition. His conspicuous example of courage and leadership is worthy of the highest praise and reflect great credit upon himself, the 11th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Division:

    V Amphibious Force

    Action Date:

    February 1944
    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces, Central Pacific Area, General Orders No. 231 (July 27, 1944)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Air Corps) William Olmstead Eareckson (AFSN: 239A), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Support Aircraft Commander, V Amphibious Force, in ground operations at Kwajalein, in the Pacific Theater of Operations, in February 1944. Colonel Eareckson went forward into enemy territory in a tank to make reconnaissance for the protection of ground troops surrounded by enemy fire. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Eareckson, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Action Date:

    September 13 – November 4, 1950

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Air Corps) William Olmstead Eareckson (AFSN: 239A), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in action against an armed enemy of the United Nations during the period 13 September 1950 to 4 November 1950. As Liaison Officer among Far East Air Forces, Joint Task Force SEVEN, and X Corps, Colonel Eareckson worked indefatigably to secure maximum coordination for the successful accomplishment of the X Corps mission. His expert advice, based on his wide experience and extraordinary knowledge of close air support for ground troops, was invaluable in providing flexible air support for the X Corps during its landing and subsequent rapid advance inland to capture Seoul, Korea. With complete disregard for his own safety, Colonel Eareckson made trips by land as well as by air into areas dominated by the enemy to obtain information for effective coordination. His leadership, technical knowledge, and untiring devotion to duty were invaluable contributing factors in the early success of the X Corps mission, reflecting credit on him and the military service.