Ranger Hall of Fame
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BRIGADIER GENERAL RICHARD J. EATON
Brigadier General Richard J. Eaton is inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame for uncommon valor and selfless gallantry as he led the way during his distinguished military career of 33 years. General Eaton entered the Army in World War II. He served as an enlisted man in the 517th Parachute Combat Team. He fought in Italy, made the combat jump into Southern France and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. On April 23, 1951 in North Korea, 1LT Eaton joined the 3rd Ranger Infantry Company (Airborne). On that day, the Ranger Company's mission was to "break through a U.N. Brigade, cut off behind enemy lines. A numerically superior enemy force ambushed the 3rd Ranger Company enroute to the objective. 1LT Eaton, fully exposed with enemy machine gun bullets cracking all around him and kicking up dirt between his feet, led the Rangers in a fighting withdrawal, leaving many enemy dead and wounded. He led the Rangers to the top of the highest mountain nearby. All through that night and the next day, Ranger Eaton adjusted artillery fire on the massed enemy soldiers, inflicting heavy casualties. He led the Rangers several miles through the enemy units to friendly lines. Ranger Eaton led all platoon-size reconnaissance and combat patrols in 3rd Ranger Company during June-July 1951. He led 3rd Ranger Company's last combat patrol and commanded the 3rd Rangers in their last fire fight with the enemy in North Korea. After Korea, he served in a variety of command and staff positions. During the Vietnam War, Ranger Eaton distinguished himself as the Commander of 2nd Battalion, 16 Infantry. He was twice assigned to the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He was Brigade Commander in the 3d Infantry Division in Germany and V Corps Chief of Staff. His awards include: Distinguished Service Medal, 3 Silver Stars, 2 Legions of Merit, 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses, Soldiers Medal, 4 Bronze Stars with V, 6 Purple Hearts, 5 Air Medals, 2 Army Commendation Medals with V, and numerous other U.S. and foreign awards. He holds 3 Combat Infantry Badges, Master Parachute Badge with Combat Jump Star, 13 Bronze Stars (campaigns), and Bronze Arrowhead (invasion). Brigadier General Richard J. Eaton is a true Patriot. Throughout his entire career, Ranger Eaton Led the Way by his personal example.
