AF to Name Base in Arkansas for WWII Hero Gen. Eaker
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WASHINGTON — The Air Force announced Thursday that it will change the name of Blytheville Air Force Base in Arkansas to honor aviation pioneer and World War II hero Gen. Ira C. Eaker.
The change in name to Eaker Air Force Base will occur during ceremonies May 26 at the facility, the Air Force said. The Blytheville base was first established as an Army Air Force pilot training school in 1942. It now is the home of the 97th Bombardment Wing and the 42nd Air Division.
Eaker, who died last August, received a Congressional Gold Medal for his accomplishments in aviation and the military. During World War II, he commanded the 8th Air Force and later all U.S. Army air forces in Britain.
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