Wilson V. Eagleson: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
m Clean up, typo(s) fixed: February 1, 1920 → February 1, 1920, (3), ’s → 's (2)
No edit summary
Line 14: Line 14:
'''Wilson Vashon "Swampy" Eagleson II (February 1, 1920 - April 16, 2006)''' was a [[U.S. Army Air Force]] officer and decorated combat fighter pilot with the prodigious [[332nd Fighter Group]]'s [[99th Fighter Squadron]], best known as the [[Tuskegee Airmen]], "Red Tails," or “Schwartze Vogelmenschen” ("Black Birdmen") among enemy German pilots. One of 1,007 documented Tuskegee Airmen Pilots, Eagleson II was one of the [[Tuskegee Airmen]]'s most prolific combat fighter pilots, credited with two confirmed enemy German aerial kills and two probable aerial kills.<ref name="CAF2">{{cite web |title=Tuskegee Airmen Pilot Roster |url=https://cafriseabove.org/the-tuskegee-airmen/tuskegee-airmen-pilot-roster/ |website=CAF Rise Above |publisher=CAF Rise Above |access-date=11 August 2020}}</ref><ref>NCPedia. "Wilson Vash Eagleson II - A Tuskegee Airman 1920 - 2006." Doris McLean Bates. Reprinted with permission from the Tar Heel Junior Historian, Fall 2003. Tar Heel Junior Historian Association, NC Museum of History. https://www.ncpedia.org/biography/eagleson-wilson</ref><ref>NCPedia. "Wilson Vash Eagleson II - A Tuskegee Airman 1920 - 2006." Doris McLean Bates. Reprinted with permission from the Tar Heel Junior Historian, Fall 2003. Tar Heel Junior Historian Association, NC Museum of History. https://www.ncpedia.org/biography/eagleson-wilson</ref>
'''Wilson Vashon "Swampy" Eagleson II (February 1, 1920 - April 16, 2006)''' was a [[U.S. Army Air Force]] officer and decorated combat fighter pilot with the prodigious [[332nd Fighter Group]]'s [[99th Fighter Squadron]], best known as the [[Tuskegee Airmen]], "Red Tails," or “Schwartze Vogelmenschen” ("Black Birdmen") among enemy German pilots. One of 1,007 documented Tuskegee Airmen Pilots, Eagleson II was one of the [[Tuskegee Airmen]]'s most prolific combat fighter pilots, credited with two confirmed enemy German aerial kills and two probable aerial kills.<ref name="CAF2">{{cite web |title=Tuskegee Airmen Pilot Roster |url=https://cafriseabove.org/the-tuskegee-airmen/tuskegee-airmen-pilot-roster/ |website=CAF Rise Above |publisher=CAF Rise Above |access-date=11 August 2020}}</ref><ref>NCPedia. "Wilson Vash Eagleson II - A Tuskegee Airman 1920 - 2006." Doris McLean Bates. Reprinted with permission from the Tar Heel Junior Historian, Fall 2003. Tar Heel Junior Historian Association, NC Museum of History. https://www.ncpedia.org/biography/eagleson-wilson</ref><ref>NCPedia. "Wilson Vash Eagleson II - A Tuskegee Airman 1920 - 2006." Doris McLean Bates. Reprinted with permission from the Tar Heel Junior Historian, Fall 2003. Tar Heel Junior Historian Association, NC Museum of History. https://www.ncpedia.org/biography/eagleson-wilson</ref>


He was also scion of the Eagleson Family, one of [[Indiana]]'s most prominent African American families and public figures in the early [[19th century]]. Eagleson's granduncle, Preston Eagleson, was [[Indiana University]]'s first African American intercollegiate athlete.<ref>Indiana University - The Golden Book. "Wilson V. Eagleson Jr. - World War II Pilot." https://goldenbook.iu.edu/veteran-stories/eagleson-wilson.html</ref> In 1916, Eagleson II's father, Wilson Vashon Eagleson Sr., became one of the first African Americans in [[Indiana University]]'s Reserve Officer Training Corps program, becoming one of the very first African American [[U.S. Army]] officer.<ref>Indiana University - The Golden Book. "Wilson V. Eagleson Jr. - World War II Pilot." https://goldenbook.iu.edu/veteran-stories/eagleson-wilson.html</ref> Eagleson Sr, [[North Carolina Central University]]'s first baseball, football, and basketball head coach, is also the namesake of [[North Carolina Central University]]'s mascot, The Eagles.<ref>NCPedia. "Wilson Vash Eagleson II - A Tuskegee Airman 1920 - 2006." Doris McLean Bates. Reprinted with permission from the Tar Heel Junior Historian, Fall 2003.
Eagleson II was also scion of the Eagleson Family, one of [[Indiana]]'s most well-known, prominent African American families during the early [[19th century]]. Eagleson's granduncle, Preston Eagleson, was [[Indiana University]]'s first African American intercollegiate athlete.<ref>Indiana University - The Golden Book. "Wilson V. Eagleson Jr. - World War II Pilot." https://goldenbook.iu.edu/veteran-stories/eagleson-wilson.html</ref> In 1916, Eagleson II's father, Wilson Vashon Eagleson Sr., became one of the first African Americans in [[Indiana University]]'s Reserve Officer Training Corps program, becoming one of the [[United States]]' first African American [[U.S. Army]] officer.<ref>Indiana University - The Golden Book. "Wilson V. Eagleson Jr. - World War II Pilot." https://goldenbook.iu.edu/veteran-stories/eagleson-wilson.html</ref> Eagleson Sr, [[North Carolina Central University]]'s first baseball, football, and basketball head coach, is also the namesake of [[North Carolina Central University]]'s mascot, The Eagles.<ref>NCPedia. "Wilson Vash Eagleson II - A Tuskegee Airman 1920 - 2006." Doris McLean Bates. Reprinted with permission from the Tar Heel Junior Historian, Fall 2003.
Tar Heel Junior Historian Association, NC Museum of History. https://www.ncpedia.org/biography/eagleson-wilson</ref> Eagleson II's mother, [[Frances Marshall Eagleson]], was [[Indiana University]] at [[Bloomington, Indiana]]'s first African American woman graduate.<ref>Indiana University - The Golden Book. "Wilson V. Eagleson Jr. - World War II Pilot." https://goldenbook.iu.edu/veteran-stories/eagleson-wilson.html</ref>
Tar Heel Junior Historian Association, NC Museum of History. https://www.ncpedia.org/biography/eagleson-wilson</ref> Eagleson II's mother, [[Frances Marshall Eagleson]], was [[Indiana University]] at [[Bloomington, Indiana]]'s first African American woman graduate.<ref>Indiana University - The Golden Book. "Wilson V. Eagleson Jr. - World War II Pilot." https://goldenbook.iu.edu/veteran-stories/eagleson-wilson.html</ref>


Early 1950s, Eagleson II saved the crew of a large cargo plane after anti-aircraft flak struck it, seriously wounding the pilots. Assuming the aircraft's controls, Eagleson II safely flew the plane to the [[Philippines]]. The [[U.S. Air Force]] awarded Eagleson II the [[Distinguished Flying Cross]] for his heroics.<ref>CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii</ref>
In the early 1950s, Eagleson II saved the entire crew of a large [[U.S. Air Force]] cargo plane after anti-aircraft flak struck it, seriously wounding the pilots. After assuming the aircraft's controls, Eagleson II safely navigated the aircraft to the [[Philippines]]. For his heroics, the [[U.S. Air Force]] awarded Eagleson II the [[Distinguished Flying Cross]].<ref>CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii</ref>


==Early Life, Family, Scion of the Prominent Eagleton Family==
==Early Life, Family, Scion of the Prominent Eagleton Family==
Line 23: Line 23:
Military Collection State Archives of North Carolina. "Wilson V. Eagleson II Interview Summary."</ref><ref>NCPedia. "Wilson Vash Eagleson II - A Tuskegee Airman 1920 - 2006." Doris McLean Bates. Reprinted with permission from the Tar Heel Junior Historian, Fall 2003. Tar Heel Junior Historian Association, NC Museum of History. https://www.ncpedia.org/biography/eagleson-wilson</ref> He was a scion of the prominent Eagleson Family, one of [[Indiana]]'s most historic African American families during the early 20th century. His father, Wilson Vashon Eagleson Sr., in 1916, became one of the first African Americans in [[Indiana University]]'s Reserve Officer Training Corps program.<ref>Indiana University - The Golden Book. "Wilson V. Eagleson Jr. - World War II Pilot." https://goldenbook.iu.edu/veteran-stories/eagleson-wilson.html</ref> Eagleson Sr. also became one of the [[U.S. Army]]'s first African American officers.<ref>Indiana University - The Golden Book. "Wilson V. Eagleson Jr. - World War II Pilot." https://goldenbook.iu.edu/veteran-stories/eagleson-wilson.html</ref> Eagleson II's mother, [[Frances Marshall Eagleson]], was [[Indiana University]] at [[Bloomington, Indiana]]'s first African American woman graduate.<ref>Indiana University - The Golden Book. "Wilson V. Eagleson Jr. - World War II Pilot." https://goldenbook.iu.edu/veteran-stories/eagleson-wilson.html</ref> [[Indiana University]] at [[Bloomington, Indiana]] named its Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center in honor of [[Frances Marshall Eagleson]] and [[Marcellus Neal]], [[Indiana University]] at [[Bloomington, Indiana]]'s first African American graduate.<ref>Indiana University. "IU AND WORLD WAR I: Read about IU's involvement in World War I and the plans to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the war's end." https://news.iu.edu/stories/features/world-war-i-anniversary/hoosiers-of-the-war.html</ref> In 1979, [[North Carolina Central University]] named a dorm in honor of [[Frances Marshall Eagleson]], widely considered the third-most important individual in school history behind two university presidents.<ref>Indiana University. "A Phenomenal Woman." https://pride.iu.edu/pride-and-tradition/a-phenomenal-woman/</ref>
Military Collection State Archives of North Carolina. "Wilson V. Eagleson II Interview Summary."</ref><ref>NCPedia. "Wilson Vash Eagleson II - A Tuskegee Airman 1920 - 2006." Doris McLean Bates. Reprinted with permission from the Tar Heel Junior Historian, Fall 2003. Tar Heel Junior Historian Association, NC Museum of History. https://www.ncpedia.org/biography/eagleson-wilson</ref> He was a scion of the prominent Eagleson Family, one of [[Indiana]]'s most historic African American families during the early 20th century. His father, Wilson Vashon Eagleson Sr., in 1916, became one of the first African Americans in [[Indiana University]]'s Reserve Officer Training Corps program.<ref>Indiana University - The Golden Book. "Wilson V. Eagleson Jr. - World War II Pilot." https://goldenbook.iu.edu/veteran-stories/eagleson-wilson.html</ref> Eagleson Sr. also became one of the [[U.S. Army]]'s first African American officers.<ref>Indiana University - The Golden Book. "Wilson V. Eagleson Jr. - World War II Pilot." https://goldenbook.iu.edu/veteran-stories/eagleson-wilson.html</ref> Eagleson II's mother, [[Frances Marshall Eagleson]], was [[Indiana University]] at [[Bloomington, Indiana]]'s first African American woman graduate.<ref>Indiana University - The Golden Book. "Wilson V. Eagleson Jr. - World War II Pilot." https://goldenbook.iu.edu/veteran-stories/eagleson-wilson.html</ref> [[Indiana University]] at [[Bloomington, Indiana]] named its Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center in honor of [[Frances Marshall Eagleson]] and [[Marcellus Neal]], [[Indiana University]] at [[Bloomington, Indiana]]'s first African American graduate.<ref>Indiana University. "IU AND WORLD WAR I: Read about IU's involvement in World War I and the plans to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the war's end." https://news.iu.edu/stories/features/world-war-i-anniversary/hoosiers-of-the-war.html</ref> In 1979, [[North Carolina Central University]] named a dorm in honor of [[Frances Marshall Eagleson]], widely considered the third-most important individual in school history behind two university presidents.<ref>Indiana University. "A Phenomenal Woman." https://pride.iu.edu/pride-and-tradition/a-phenomenal-woman/</ref>


Eagleson II's grandfather and Eagleson patriarch, Halson V. Eagleson, Sr., was a successful [[Bloomington, Indiana]] barber and incidental civil rights activist in the late 19th century/early 20th century.<ref>The elder Eagleson sued two hotel owners when they discriminated against his son Preston during an away game against [[Butler University]]. Indiana University. "IU History, Pride & Tradition: IU Football, Preston E. Eagleson, and the 1885 Civil Rights Act." February 4, 2021. https://pride.iu.edu/pride-and-tradition/iu-football-preston-e-eagleson-and-the-1885-civil-rights-act/</ref> His five sons all attended IU, including son Preston Eagleson, [[Indiana University]]'s first African American intercollegiate athlete.<ref>Indiana University - The Golden Book. "Wilson V. Eagleson Jr. - World War II Pilot." https://goldenbook.iu.edu/veteran-stories/eagleson-wilson.html</ref> A [[Big Ten]] contemporary of the great African American [[University of Michigan]] football great [[George Jewett]] (known for his memorable game against football great [[John Heisman]]), Preston played on Indiana's 1893, 1894 and 1895 football teams.<ref>Indiana University - The Golden Book. "Wilson V. Eagleson Jr. - World War II Pilot." https://goldenbook.iu.edu/veteran-stories/eagleson-wilson.html</ref>
Eagleson II's grandfather, Eagleson patriarch Halson V. Eagleson, Sr., was a highly successful [[Bloomington, Indiana]] barber and incidental civil rights activist in the late 19th century/early 20th century; Halson V. Eagleson, Sr. sued two hotel owners under Indiana's anti-discrimination law in the late 1890s after they denied his son Preston Eagleson hotel accommodations during [[Indiana University]] football team's away game against [[Indianapolis, Indiana]]'s [[Butler University]].<ref> Indiana University. "IU History, Pride & Tradition: IU Football, Preston E. Eagleson, and the 1885 Civil Rights Act." February 4, 2021. https://pride.iu.edu/pride-and-tradition/iu-football-preston-e-eagleson-and-the-1885-civil-rights-act/</ref> Every single one of Halson V. Eagleson, Sr.'s five sons attended [[Indiana University]] at [[Bloomington, Indiana]] , including son Preston, [[Indiana University]]'s first African American intercollegiate athlete.<ref>Indiana University - The Golden Book. "Wilson V. Eagleson Jr. - World War II Pilot." https://goldenbook.iu.edu/veteran-stories/eagleson-wilson.html</ref> A [[Big Ten]] contemporary of the African American [[University of Michigan]] football great [[George Jewett]] (known for his memorable game against football great [[John Heisman]]), Preston played on Indiana's 1893, 1894 and 1895 football teams.<ref>Indiana University - The Golden Book. "Wilson V. Eagleson Jr. - World War II Pilot." https://goldenbook.iu.edu/veteran-stories/eagleson-wilson.html</ref>


Raised in [[Bloomington, Indiana]] for most of his childhood, Eagleson II and his sister lived with his maternal grandmother; Bloomington's moderate weather was far more beneficial to Eagleson II's childhood rheumatic fever symptoms than [[Durham, North Carolina]].<ref>CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii</ref> His father, Eagleson Sr., became [[North Carolina Central University]]'s first baseball, football, and basketball head coach.<ref>CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii</ref> [[North Carolina Central University]] named its mascot, The Eagles, in honor of Eagleson Sr.<ref>NCPedia. "Wilson Vash Eagleson II - A Tuskegee Airman 1920 - 2006." Doris McLean Bates. Reprinted with permission from the Tar Heel Junior Historian, Fall 2003. Tar Heel Junior Historian Association, NC Museum of History. https://www.ncpedia.org/biography/eagleson-wilson</ref> Eagleson II's mother became [[North Carolina Central University]]'s university [[Registrar]], serving in that role for 48 years.<ref>NCPedia. "Wilson Vash Eagleson II - A Tuskegee Airman 1920 - 2006." Doris McLean Bates. Reprinted with permission from the Tar Heel Junior Historian, Fall 2003. Tar Heel Junior Historian Association, NC Museum of History. https://www.ncpedia.org/biography/eagleson-wilson</ref>
Raised in [[Bloomington, Indiana]] for most of his childhood, Eagleson II and his sister lived with his maternal grandmother.<ref>CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii</ref> His father, Wilson Vashon Eagleson Sr., became [[North Carolina Central University]]'s first baseball, football, and basketball head coach.<ref>CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii</ref> [[North Carolina Central University]] named its mascot, The Eagles, in honor of Wilson Vashon Eagleson Sr.<ref>NCPedia. "Wilson Vash Eagleson II - A Tuskegee Airman 1920 - 2006." Doris McLean Bates. Reprinted with permission from the Tar Heel Junior Historian, Fall 2003. Tar Heel Junior Historian Association, NC Museum of History. https://www.ncpedia.org/biography/eagleson-wilson</ref> Eagleson II's mother became [[North Carolina Central University]]'s [[Registrar]], functioning in that role for nearly a half century.<ref>NCPedia. "Wilson Vash Eagleson II - A Tuskegee Airman 1920 - 2006." Doris McLean Bates. Reprinted with permission from the Tar Heel Junior Historian, Fall 2003. Tar Heel Junior Historian Association, NC Museum of History. https://www.ncpedia.org/biography/eagleson-wilson</ref>


In 1933, Eagleson Sr., while working on his PhD at [[Cornell University]] in [[Ithaca, New York]], was killed in a car accident. In 1934, Eagleson II moved from [[Bloomington, Indiana]] to [[Durham, North Carolina]] to live with his grieving mother. He attended high school in [[Henderson, North Carolina]].<ref>CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii</ref>
In 1933, Wilson Vashon Eagleson Sr., working on his PhD at [[Ithaca, New York]]'s [[Cornell University]], was killed in a car accident. In 1934, Eagleson II moved from [[Bloomington, Indiana]] to [[Durham, North Carolina]] to live with his grieving mother. Eagleson II attended high school in [[Henderson, North Carolina]].<ref>CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii</ref>


After graduating from high school, Eagleson II attended [[West Virginia State College]] (now [[West Virginia State University]]).<ref>CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii</ref>
After graduating from high school, Eagleson II attended [[West Virginia State College]] (now [[West Virginia State University]]).<ref>CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii</ref> In 1938, Eagleson II acquired his civilian pilot's license at [[West Virginia State College]].<ref>NCPedia. "Wilson Vash Eagleson II - A Tuskegee Airman 1920 - 2006." Doris McLean Bates. Reprinted with permission from the Tar Heel Junior Historian, Fall 2003. Tar Heel Junior Historian Association, NC Museum of History. https://www.ncpedia.org/biography/eagleson-wilson</ref> After being denied entry into the [[U.S. Army Air Corps]] as a pilot, Eagleson II moved back to Bloomington where he attended [[Indiana University]] for a year.<ref>NCPedia. "Wilson Vash Eagleson II - A Tuskegee Airman 1920 - 2006." Doris McLean Bates. Reprinted with permission from the Tar Heel Junior Historian, Fall 2003. Tar Heel Junior Historian Association, NC Museum of History. https://www.ncpedia.org/biography/eagleson-wilson</ref>


On May 1, 1943, Eagleson II married Geraldine R. Thornton. They had four children: Wilson V. Eagleson III, Gerald B. Eagleson, Diedra A. Coney, and Helen F. Eagleson. They also had 15 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. They later divorced.
On May 1, 1943, Eagleson II married Geraldine R. Thornton. They had four children: Wilson V. Eagleson III, Gerald B. Eagleson, Diedra A. Coney, and Helen F. Eagleson. They also had 15 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. They later divorced.


==Pilot's Training, Military Career, Tuskegee Airmen==
==Military Career, Tuskegee Airmen==
In 1938, Eagleson II acquired his civilian pilot's license at [[West Virginia State College]].<ref>NCPedia. "Wilson Vash Eagleson II - A Tuskegee Airman 1920 - 2006." Doris McLean Bates. Reprinted with permission from the Tar Heel Junior Historian, Fall 2003. Tar Heel Junior Historian Association, NC Museum of History. https://www.ncpedia.org/biography/eagleson-wilson</ref> After being denied entry into the [[U.S. Army Air Corps]] as a pilot, Eagleson II moved back to Bloomington where he attended [[Indiana University]] for a year.<ref>NCPedia. "Wilson Vash Eagleson II - A Tuskegee Airman 1920 - 2006." Doris McLean Bates. Reprinted with permission from the Tar Heel Junior Historian, Fall 2003. Tar Heel Junior Historian Association, NC Museum of History. https://www.ncpedia.org/biography/eagleson-wilson</ref>

On January 19, 1942, Eagleson II enlisted in the [[U.S. Army]] as a member of its infantry.<ref>NCPedia. "Wilson Vash Eagleson II - A Tuskegee Airman 1920 - 2006." Doris McLean Bates. Reprinted with permission from the Tar Heel Junior Historian, Fall 2003. Tar Heel Junior Historian Association, NC Museum of History. https://www.ncpedia.org/biography/eagleson-wilson</ref> After two tours at Fort Walters, Texas as a trainee and a cadre, respectively, [[U.S. Army]] transferred Eagleson II to [[Fort Benning, Georgia]] for Officer Training School. During officer training in September 1942, Eagleson II was sent to flight school at Tuskegee Army Air Field. On April 29, 1943, Eagleson II graduated as a member of the Single Engine Section Cadet Class SE-43-D, receiving his silver wings and commission as a [[2nd Lieutenant]].<ref>CAF Rise Above. "Tuskegee Airmen Pilot Roster." https://cafriseabove.org/the-tuskegee-airmen/tuskegee-airmen-pilot-roster/ . This data derives from CAF Rise Above's research project compiling data from Tuskegee Airmen historians including the Air Force Historical Research Agency.</ref><ref>CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii</ref> The [[U.S. Army Air Corps]] assigned eagleson II to the 332nd Fighter Group's [[99th Fighter Squadron]].<ref>CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii</ref><ref>NCPedia. "Wilson Vash Eagleson II - A Tuskegee Airman 1920 - 2006." Doris McLean Bates. Reprinted with permission from the Tar Heel Junior Historian, Fall 2003. Tar Heel Junior Historian Association, NC Museum of History. https://www.ncpedia.org/biography/eagleson-wilson</ref>
On January 19, 1942, Eagleson II enlisted in the [[U.S. Army]] as a member of its infantry.<ref>NCPedia. "Wilson Vash Eagleson II - A Tuskegee Airman 1920 - 2006." Doris McLean Bates. Reprinted with permission from the Tar Heel Junior Historian, Fall 2003. Tar Heel Junior Historian Association, NC Museum of History. https://www.ncpedia.org/biography/eagleson-wilson</ref> After two tours at Fort Walters, Texas as a trainee and a cadre, respectively, [[U.S. Army]] transferred Eagleson II to [[Fort Benning, Georgia]] for Officer Training School. During officer training in September 1942, Eagleson II was sent to flight school at Tuskegee Army Air Field. On April 29, 1943, Eagleson II graduated as a member of the Single Engine Section Cadet Class SE-43-D, receiving his silver wings and commission as a [[2nd Lieutenant]].<ref>CAF Rise Above. "Tuskegee Airmen Pilot Roster." https://cafriseabove.org/the-tuskegee-airmen/tuskegee-airmen-pilot-roster/ . This data derives from CAF Rise Above's research project compiling data from Tuskegee Airmen historians including the Air Force Historical Research Agency.</ref><ref>CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii</ref> The [[U.S. Army Air Corps]] assigned eagleson II to the 332nd Fighter Group's [[99th Fighter Squadron]].<ref>CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii</ref><ref>NCPedia. "Wilson Vash Eagleson II - A Tuskegee Airman 1920 - 2006." Doris McLean Bates. Reprinted with permission from the Tar Heel Junior Historian, Fall 2003. Tar Heel Junior Historian Association, NC Museum of History. https://www.ncpedia.org/biography/eagleson-wilson</ref>


During [[World War II]], Eagleson II proved to be one of the [[Tuskegee Airmen]]'s most prolific pilots, credited with two confirmed enemy German aerial kills and two probable aerial kills.<ref>NCPedia. "Wilson Vash Eagleson II - A Tuskegee Airman 1920 - 2006." Doris McLean Bates. Reprinted with permission from the Tar Heel Junior Historian, Fall 2003. Tar Heel Junior Historian Association, NC Museum of History. https://www.ncpedia.org/biography/eagleson-wilson</ref><ref>CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii</ref> He flew an astounding 350 missions.
During [[World War II]], Eagleson II proved to be one of the [[Tuskegee Airmen]]'s most prolific pilots, credited with two confirmed enemy German aerial kills and two probable aerial kills.<ref>NCPedia. "Wilson Vash Eagleson II - A Tuskegee Airman 1920 - 2006." Doris McLean Bates. Reprinted with permission from the Tar Heel Junior Historian, Fall 2003. Tar Heel Junior Historian Association, NC Museum of History. https://www.ncpedia.org/biography/eagleson-wilson</ref><ref>CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii</ref> He flew an astounding 350 missions.<ref> St. Louis Today. "Lt. Wilson Eagleson credited with 2 aerial kills." Erica Smith. Sep 26, 2009. https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/military/article_fb49aef6-5eee-11df-bdf2-0017a4a78c22.html </ref>


On August 15, 1944, during a bomber escort mission over Southern France, Eagleson II's aircraft was struck by anti-aircraft [[flak]], causing it to lose coolant. Eagleson II parachuted from his severely damaged aircraft. He was rescued and driven back to Ramitelli Air Field by U.S. troops who saw Eagleson II parachute and land nearby.<ref>CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii</ref>
On August 15, 1944, during a bomber escort mission over Southern France, Eagleson II's aircraft was struck by anti-aircraft [[flak]], causing it to lose coolant. Eagleson II parachuted from his severely damaged aircraft. He was rescued and driven back to Ramitelli Air Field by U.S. troops who saw Eagleson II parachute and land nearby.<ref>CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii</ref>
Line 49: Line 47:
Military Collection State Archives of North Carolina. "Wilson V. Eagleson II Interview Summary."</ref>
Military Collection State Archives of North Carolina. "Wilson V. Eagleson II Interview Summary."</ref>


==Unit Assignments==
⚫
==Post-Military==
* 1942–1942, US Army (USA), Ft. Walters, TX; Ft. Benning, GA<ref> Together We Served. "Roll of Honor - U.S. Air Force -Deceased - Eagleson, Wilson Vash, II, 1st Lt - USAF Retired. https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=156382 </ref>
⚫
Eagleson II moved to New York where he raised horses and golden retrievers on his family farm. He later relocated to [[Goldsboro, North Carolina]] where he worked at [[Belk]]'s men's clothing department.<ref>CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii</ref>
* 1942–1943, AAF MOS 770, Aviation Cadet Flight School, Tuskegee AAF<ref> Together We Served. "Roll of Honor - U.S. Air Force -Deceased - Eagleson, Wilson Vash, II, 1st Lt - USAF Retired. https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=156382 </ref>
* 1943–1943, AAF MOS 1055, 33rd Fighter Group, Licata, Termini, & Barcellona Airfields, Sicily<ref> Together We Served. "Roll of Honor - U.S. Air Force -Deceased - Eagleson, Wilson Vash, II, 1st Lt - USAF Retired. https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=156382 </ref>
* 1943–1944, AAF MOS 1055, 79th Fighter Group, Salsola, Madna, & Capodichino Airfields<ref> Together We Served. "Roll of Honor - U.S. Air Force -Deceased - Eagleson, Wilson Vash, II, 1st Lt - USAF Retired. https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=156382 </ref>
* 1943–1945, AAF MOS 1055, 99th Fighter Squadron, several<ref> Together We Served. "Roll of Honor - U.S. Air Force -Deceased - Eagleson, Wilson Vash, II, 1st Lt - USAF Retired. https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=156382 </ref>
* 1943–1945, United States Army Air Corps (USAAC)<ref> Together We Served. "Roll of Honor - U.S. Air Force -Deceased - Eagleson, Wilson Vash, II, 1st Lt - USAF Retired. https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=156382 </ref>
* 1944–1944, AAF MOS 1055, 324th Fighter Group, Cercola & Pignataro Airfields<ref> Together We Served. "Roll of Honor - U.S. Air Force -Deceased - Eagleson, Wilson Vash, II, 1st Lt - USAF Retired. https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=156382 </ref>
* 1944–1945, AAF MOS 1055, 332nd Fighter Group, Ciampino, Orbetello, & Ramitelli Airfields<ref> Together We Served. "Roll of Honor - U.S. Air Force -Deceased - Eagleson, Wilson Vash, II, 1st Lt - USAF Retired. https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=156382 </ref>

==Combat and Non-Combat Operations==
* 1942–1945, World War II<ref> Together We Served. "Roll of Honor - U.S. Air Force -Deceased - Eagleson, Wilson Vash, II, 1st Lt - USAF Retired. https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=156382 </ref>
* 1943–1943, WWII - European Theater of Operations/Tunisia Campaign (1942-43)<ref> Together We Served. "Roll of Honor - U.S. Air Force -Deceased - Eagleson, Wilson Vash, II, 1st Lt - USAF Retired. https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=156382 </ref>
* 1943–1943, Operation Strangle<ref> Together We Served. "Roll of Honor - U.S. Air Force -Deceased - Eagleson, Wilson Vash, II, 1st Lt - USAF Retired. https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=156382 </ref>
* 1944–1944, WWII - European Theater of Operations/Anzio Campaign (1944)<ref> Together We Served. "Roll of Honor - U.S. Air Force -Deceased - Eagleson, Wilson Vash, II, 1st Lt - USAF Retired. https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=156382 </ref>
* 1944–1944, WWII - European Theater of Operations/Northern France Campaign (1944)<ref> Together We Served. "Roll of Honor - U.S. Air Force -Deceased - Eagleson, Wilson Vash, II, 1st Lt - USAF Retired. https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=156382 </ref>
* 1944–1944, WWII - European Theater of Operations/Rhineland Campaign (1944-45)<ref> Together We Served. "Roll of Honor - U.S. Air Force -Deceased - Eagleson, Wilson Vash, II, 1st Lt - USAF Retired. https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=156382 </ref>
* 1945–1945, WWII - European Theater of Operations/North Apennines Campaign (1944-45)<ref> Together We Served. "Roll of Honor - U.S. Air Force -Deceased - Eagleson, Wilson Vash, II, 1st Lt - USAF Retired. https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=156382 </ref>
* 1945–1945, WWII - European Theater of Operations/Central Europe Campaign (1945)<ref> Together We Served. "Roll of Honor - U.S. Air Force -Deceased - Eagleson, Wilson Vash, II, 1st Lt - USAF Retired. https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=156382 </ref>


==Commendations, Awards==
==Commendations, Awards==
* [[Distinguished Flying Cross]]<ref>CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii</ref>
* [[Distinguished Flying Cross]]<ref>CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii</ref>
* [[Air Medal]] with six oak leaf clusters<ref> St. Louis Today. "Lt. Wilson Eagleson credited with 2 aerial kills." Erica Smith. Sep 26, 2009. https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/military/article_fb49aef6-5eee-11df-bdf2-0017a4a78c22.html </ref>
⚫
* Two [[Purple Heart]]s<ref>CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii</ref>
* [[Purple Heart]] with an oak leaf cluster<ref> St. Louis Today. "Lt. Wilson Eagleson credited with 2 aerial kills." Erica Smith. Sep 26, 2009. https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/military/article_fb49aef6-5eee-11df-bdf2-0017a4a78c22.html </ref>
⚫
* [[Purple Heart]]<ref>CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii</ref>
* Three [[Presidential Unit Citation]]s<ref>CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii</ref>
* Three [[Presidential Unit Citation]]s<ref>CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii</ref>
* [[Red Star of Yugoslavia]]<ref>CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii</ref>
* [[Red Star of Yugoslavia]]<ref>CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii</ref>
Line 60: Line 77:
* [[Vietnam Service Medal]]<ref>CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii</ref>
* [[Vietnam Service Medal]]<ref>CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii</ref>
* [[Campaign Medal]]s<ref>CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii</ref>
* [[Campaign Medal]]s<ref>CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii</ref>

⚫
==Post-Military==
⚫
Eagleson II moved to New York where he raised horses and golden retrievers on his family farm. He later relocated to [[Goldsboro, North Carolina]] where he worked at [[Belk]]'s men's clothing department.<ref>CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii</ref>


==Honors==
==Honors==
Line 66: Line 86:


==Death==
==Death==
Eagleson II passed away on April 16, 2006, in [[Dudley, North Carolina]]. He was 86. He was interred at Markham Memorial Gardens in [[Durham, North Carolina]].
Eagleson II passed away on April 16, 2006, in [[Dudley, North Carolina]]. He was 86. He was interred at Markham Memorial Gardens in [[Durham, North Carolina]].<ref> St. Louis Today. "Lt. Wilson Eagleson credited with 2 aerial kills." Erica Smith. Sep 26, 2009. https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/military/article_fb49aef6-5eee-11df-bdf2-0017a4a78c22.html </ref>


==See also==
==See also==

Revision as of 13:08, 3 August 2021

Wilson V. Eagleson II
Born
Wilson Vashon "Swampy" Eagleson II

February 1, 1920
Bloomington, Indiana, US
DiedApril 16, 2006(2006-04-16) (aged 86)
Dudley, North Carolina, US
Resting placeMarkham Memorial Gardens in Durham, North Carolina, USA
Alma materWest Virginia State College (now West Virginia State University), Indiana University
Occupations
  • Military officer
  • fighter pilot
Years active1942–1972

Wilson Vashon "Swampy" Eagleson II (February 1, 1920 - April 16, 2006) was a U.S. Army Air Force officer and decorated combat fighter pilot with the prodigious 332nd Fighter Group's 99th Fighter Squadron, best known as the Tuskegee Airmen, "Red Tails," or “Schwartze Vogelmenschen” ("Black Birdmen") among enemy German pilots. One of 1,007 documented Tuskegee Airmen Pilots, Eagleson II was one of the Tuskegee Airmen's most prolific combat fighter pilots, credited with two confirmed enemy German aerial kills and two probable aerial kills.[1][2][3]

Eagleson II was also scion of the Eagleson Family, one of Indiana's most well-known, prominent African American families during the early 19th century. Eagleson's granduncle, Preston Eagleson, was Indiana University's first African American intercollegiate athlete.[4] In 1916, Eagleson II's father, Wilson Vashon Eagleson Sr., became one of the first African Americans in Indiana University's Reserve Officer Training Corps program, becoming one of the United States' first African American U.S. Army officer.[5] Eagleson Sr, North Carolina Central University's first baseball, football, and basketball head coach, is also the namesake of North Carolina Central University's mascot, The Eagles.[6] Eagleson II's mother, Frances Marshall Eagleson, was Indiana University at Bloomington, Indiana's first African American woman graduate.[7]

In the early 1950s, Eagleson II saved the entire crew of a large U.S. Air Force cargo plane after anti-aircraft flak struck it, seriously wounding the pilots. After assuming the aircraft's controls, Eagleson II safely navigated the aircraft to the Philippines. For his heroics, the U.S. Air Force awarded Eagleson II the Distinguished Flying Cross.[8]

Early Life, Family, Scion of the Prominent Eagleton Family

Eagleson II was born on February 1, 1920, in Cincinnati, Ohio.[9][10] He was a scion of the prominent Eagleson Family, one of Indiana's most historic African American families during the early 20th century. His father, Wilson Vashon Eagleson Sr., in 1916, became one of the first African Americans in Indiana University's Reserve Officer Training Corps program.[11] Eagleson Sr. also became one of the U.S. Army's first African American officers.[12] Eagleson II's mother, Frances Marshall Eagleson, was Indiana University at Bloomington, Indiana's first African American woman graduate.[13] Indiana University at Bloomington, Indiana named its Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center in honor of Frances Marshall Eagleson and Marcellus Neal, Indiana University at Bloomington, Indiana's first African American graduate.[14] In 1979, North Carolina Central University named a dorm in honor of Frances Marshall Eagleson, widely considered the third-most important individual in school history behind two university presidents.[15]

Eagleson II's grandfather, Eagleson patriarch Halson V. Eagleson, Sr., was a highly successful Bloomington, Indiana barber and incidental civil rights activist in the late 19th century/early 20th century; Halson V. Eagleson, Sr. sued two hotel owners under Indiana's anti-discrimination law in the late 1890s after they denied his son Preston Eagleson hotel accommodations during Indiana University football team's away game against Indianapolis, Indiana's Butler University.[16] Every single one of Halson V. Eagleson, Sr.'s five sons attended Indiana University at Bloomington, Indiana , including son Preston, Indiana University's first African American intercollegiate athlete.[17] A Big Ten contemporary of the African American University of Michigan football great George Jewett (known for his memorable game against football great John Heisman), Preston played on Indiana's 1893, 1894 and 1895 football teams.[18]

Raised in Bloomington, Indiana for most of his childhood, Eagleson II and his sister lived with his maternal grandmother.[19] His father, Wilson Vashon Eagleson Sr., became North Carolina Central University's first baseball, football, and basketball head coach.[20] North Carolina Central University named its mascot, The Eagles, in honor of Wilson Vashon Eagleson Sr.[21] Eagleson II's mother became North Carolina Central University's Registrar, functioning in that role for nearly a half century.[22]

In 1933, Wilson Vashon Eagleson Sr., working on his PhD at Ithaca, New York's Cornell University, was killed in a car accident. In 1934, Eagleson II moved from Bloomington, Indiana to Durham, North Carolina to live with his grieving mother. Eagleson II attended high school in Henderson, North Carolina.[23]

After graduating from high school, Eagleson II attended West Virginia State College (now West Virginia State University).[24] In 1938, Eagleson II acquired his civilian pilot's license at West Virginia State College.[25] After being denied entry into the U.S. Army Air Corps as a pilot, Eagleson II moved back to Bloomington where he attended Indiana University for a year.[26]

On May 1, 1943, Eagleson II married Geraldine R. Thornton. They had four children: Wilson V. Eagleson III, Gerald B. Eagleson, Diedra A. Coney, and Helen F. Eagleson. They also had 15 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. They later divorced.

Military Career, Tuskegee Airmen

On January 19, 1942, Eagleson II enlisted in the U.S. Army as a member of its infantry.[27] After two tours at Fort Walters, Texas as a trainee and a cadre, respectively, U.S. Army transferred Eagleson II to Fort Benning, Georgia for Officer Training School. During officer training in September 1942, Eagleson II was sent to flight school at Tuskegee Army Air Field. On April 29, 1943, Eagleson II graduated as a member of the Single Engine Section Cadet Class SE-43-D, receiving his silver wings and commission as a 2nd Lieutenant.[28][29] The U.S. Army Air Corps assigned eagleson II to the 332nd Fighter Group's 99th Fighter Squadron.[30][31]

During World War II, Eagleson II proved to be one of the Tuskegee Airmen's most prolific pilots, credited with two confirmed enemy German aerial kills and two probable aerial kills.[32][33] He flew an astounding 350 missions.[34]

On August 15, 1944, during a bomber escort mission over Southern France, Eagleson II's aircraft was struck by anti-aircraft flak, causing it to lose coolant. Eagleson II parachuted from his severely damaged aircraft. He was rescued and driven back to Ramitelli Air Field by U.S. troops who saw Eagleson II parachute and land nearby.[35]

After World war II, the U.S. Army Air Corps transferred Eagleson II to Tuskegee, Alabama where he assisted in the closure of Tuskekee's flight program. After leavbing the military for two years, he reenlisted, working as a flight mechanic during the Korean War and the Vietnam War.[36]

Early 1950s, Eagleson II saved the crew of an U.S. Air Force cargo plane when anti-aircraft flak struck it, seriously wounding the pilots. Assuming the controls, Eagleson II safely flew the plane to the Philippines. The U.S. Air Force awarded Eagleson II the Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroics.[37]

In February 1972, Eagleson II retired from the military.[38][39]

Unit Assignments

  • 1942–1942, US Army (USA), Ft. Walters, TX; Ft. Benning, GA[40]
  • 1942–1943, AAF MOS 770, Aviation Cadet Flight School, Tuskegee AAF[41]
  • 1943–1943, AAF MOS 1055, 33rd Fighter Group, Licata, Termini, & Barcellona Airfields, Sicily[42]
  • 1943–1944, AAF MOS 1055, 79th Fighter Group, Salsola, Madna, & Capodichino Airfields[43]
  • 1943–1945, AAF MOS 1055, 99th Fighter Squadron, several[44]
  • 1943–1945, United States Army Air Corps (USAAC)[45]
  • 1944–1944, AAF MOS 1055, 324th Fighter Group, Cercola & Pignataro Airfields[46]
  • 1944–1945, AAF MOS 1055, 332nd Fighter Group, Ciampino, Orbetello, & Ramitelli Airfields[47]

Combat and Non-Combat Operations

  • 1942–1945, World War II[48]
  • 1943–1943, WWII - European Theater of Operations/Tunisia Campaign (1942-43)[49]
  • 1943–1943, Operation Strangle[50]
  • 1944–1944, WWII - European Theater of Operations/Anzio Campaign (1944)[51]
  • 1944–1944, WWII - European Theater of Operations/Northern France Campaign (1944)[52]
  • 1944–1944, WWII - European Theater of Operations/Rhineland Campaign (1944-45)[53]
  • 1945–1945, WWII - European Theater of Operations/North Apennines Campaign (1944-45)[54]
  • 1945–1945, WWII - European Theater of Operations/Central Europe Campaign (1945)[55]

Commendations, Awards

Post-Military

Eagleson II moved to New York where he raised horses and golden retrievers on his family farm. He later relocated to Goldsboro, North Carolina where he worked at Belk's men's clothing department.[65]

Honors

Death

Eagleson II passed away on April 16, 2006, in Dudley, North Carolina. He was 86. He was interred at Markham Memorial Gardens in Durham, North Carolina.[69]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Tuskegee Airmen Pilot Roster". CAF Rise Above. CAF Rise Above. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
  2. ^ NCPedia. "Wilson Vash Eagleson II - A Tuskegee Airman 1920 - 2006." Doris McLean Bates. Reprinted with permission from the Tar Heel Junior Historian, Fall 2003. Tar Heel Junior Historian Association, NC Museum of History. https://www.ncpedia.org/biography/eagleson-wilson
  3. ^ NCPedia. "Wilson Vash Eagleson II - A Tuskegee Airman 1920 - 2006." Doris McLean Bates. Reprinted with permission from the Tar Heel Junior Historian, Fall 2003. Tar Heel Junior Historian Association, NC Museum of History. https://www.ncpedia.org/biography/eagleson-wilson
  4. ^ Indiana University - The Golden Book. "Wilson V. Eagleson Jr. - World War II Pilot." https://goldenbook.iu.edu/veteran-stories/eagleson-wilson.html
  5. ^ Indiana University - The Golden Book. "Wilson V. Eagleson Jr. - World War II Pilot." https://goldenbook.iu.edu/veteran-stories/eagleson-wilson.html
  6. ^ NCPedia. "Wilson Vash Eagleson II - A Tuskegee Airman 1920 - 2006." Doris McLean Bates. Reprinted with permission from the Tar Heel Junior Historian, Fall 2003. Tar Heel Junior Historian Association, NC Museum of History. https://www.ncpedia.org/biography/eagleson-wilson
  7. ^ Indiana University - The Golden Book. "Wilson V. Eagleson Jr. - World War II Pilot." https://goldenbook.iu.edu/veteran-stories/eagleson-wilson.html
  8. ^ CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii
  9. ^ NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES, OFFICE OF ARCHIVES AND HISTORY Military Collection State Archives of North Carolina. "Wilson V. Eagleson II Interview Summary."
  10. ^ NCPedia. "Wilson Vash Eagleson II - A Tuskegee Airman 1920 - 2006." Doris McLean Bates. Reprinted with permission from the Tar Heel Junior Historian, Fall 2003. Tar Heel Junior Historian Association, NC Museum of History. https://www.ncpedia.org/biography/eagleson-wilson
  11. ^ Indiana University - The Golden Book. "Wilson V. Eagleson Jr. - World War II Pilot." https://goldenbook.iu.edu/veteran-stories/eagleson-wilson.html
  12. ^ Indiana University - The Golden Book. "Wilson V. Eagleson Jr. - World War II Pilot." https://goldenbook.iu.edu/veteran-stories/eagleson-wilson.html
  13. ^ Indiana University - The Golden Book. "Wilson V. Eagleson Jr. - World War II Pilot." https://goldenbook.iu.edu/veteran-stories/eagleson-wilson.html
  14. ^ Indiana University. "IU AND WORLD WAR I: Read about IU's involvement in World War I and the plans to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the war's end." https://news.iu.edu/stories/features/world-war-i-anniversary/hoosiers-of-the-war.html
  15. ^ Indiana University. "A Phenomenal Woman." https://pride.iu.edu/pride-and-tradition/a-phenomenal-woman/
  16. ^ Indiana University. "IU History, Pride & Tradition: IU Football, Preston E. Eagleson, and the 1885 Civil Rights Act." February 4, 2021. https://pride.iu.edu/pride-and-tradition/iu-football-preston-e-eagleson-and-the-1885-civil-rights-act/
  17. ^ Indiana University - The Golden Book. "Wilson V. Eagleson Jr. - World War II Pilot." https://goldenbook.iu.edu/veteran-stories/eagleson-wilson.html
  18. ^ Indiana University - The Golden Book. "Wilson V. Eagleson Jr. - World War II Pilot." https://goldenbook.iu.edu/veteran-stories/eagleson-wilson.html
  19. ^ CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii
  20. ^ CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii
  21. ^ NCPedia. "Wilson Vash Eagleson II - A Tuskegee Airman 1920 - 2006." Doris McLean Bates. Reprinted with permission from the Tar Heel Junior Historian, Fall 2003. Tar Heel Junior Historian Association, NC Museum of History. https://www.ncpedia.org/biography/eagleson-wilson
  22. ^ NCPedia. "Wilson Vash Eagleson II - A Tuskegee Airman 1920 - 2006." Doris McLean Bates. Reprinted with permission from the Tar Heel Junior Historian, Fall 2003. Tar Heel Junior Historian Association, NC Museum of History. https://www.ncpedia.org/biography/eagleson-wilson
  23. ^ CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii
  24. ^ CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii
  25. ^ NCPedia. "Wilson Vash Eagleson II - A Tuskegee Airman 1920 - 2006." Doris McLean Bates. Reprinted with permission from the Tar Heel Junior Historian, Fall 2003. Tar Heel Junior Historian Association, NC Museum of History. https://www.ncpedia.org/biography/eagleson-wilson
  26. ^ NCPedia. "Wilson Vash Eagleson II - A Tuskegee Airman 1920 - 2006." Doris McLean Bates. Reprinted with permission from the Tar Heel Junior Historian, Fall 2003. Tar Heel Junior Historian Association, NC Museum of History. https://www.ncpedia.org/biography/eagleson-wilson
  27. ^ NCPedia. "Wilson Vash Eagleson II - A Tuskegee Airman 1920 - 2006." Doris McLean Bates. Reprinted with permission from the Tar Heel Junior Historian, Fall 2003. Tar Heel Junior Historian Association, NC Museum of History. https://www.ncpedia.org/biography/eagleson-wilson
  28. ^ CAF Rise Above. "Tuskegee Airmen Pilot Roster." https://cafriseabove.org/the-tuskegee-airmen/tuskegee-airmen-pilot-roster/ . This data derives from CAF Rise Above's research project compiling data from Tuskegee Airmen historians including the Air Force Historical Research Agency.
  29. ^ CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii
  30. ^ CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii
  31. ^ NCPedia. "Wilson Vash Eagleson II - A Tuskegee Airman 1920 - 2006." Doris McLean Bates. Reprinted with permission from the Tar Heel Junior Historian, Fall 2003. Tar Heel Junior Historian Association, NC Museum of History. https://www.ncpedia.org/biography/eagleson-wilson
  32. ^ NCPedia. "Wilson Vash Eagleson II - A Tuskegee Airman 1920 - 2006." Doris McLean Bates. Reprinted with permission from the Tar Heel Junior Historian, Fall 2003. Tar Heel Junior Historian Association, NC Museum of History. https://www.ncpedia.org/biography/eagleson-wilson
  33. ^ CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii
  34. ^ St. Louis Today. "Lt. Wilson Eagleson credited with 2 aerial kills." Erica Smith. Sep 26, 2009. https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/military/article_fb49aef6-5eee-11df-bdf2-0017a4a78c22.html
  35. ^ CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii
  36. ^ CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii
  37. ^ CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii
  38. ^ CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii
  39. ^ NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES, OFFICE OF ARCHIVES AND HISTORY Military Collection State Archives of North Carolina. "Wilson V. Eagleson II Interview Summary."
  40. ^ Together We Served. "Roll of Honor - U.S. Air Force -Deceased - Eagleson, Wilson Vash, II, 1st Lt - USAF Retired. https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=156382
  41. ^ Together We Served. "Roll of Honor - U.S. Air Force -Deceased - Eagleson, Wilson Vash, II, 1st Lt - USAF Retired. https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=156382
  42. ^ Together We Served. "Roll of Honor - U.S. Air Force -Deceased - Eagleson, Wilson Vash, II, 1st Lt - USAF Retired. https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=156382
  43. ^ Together We Served. "Roll of Honor - U.S. Air Force -Deceased - Eagleson, Wilson Vash, II, 1st Lt - USAF Retired. https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=156382
  44. ^ Together We Served. "Roll of Honor - U.S. Air Force -Deceased - Eagleson, Wilson Vash, II, 1st Lt - USAF Retired. https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=156382
  45. ^ Together We Served. "Roll of Honor - U.S. Air Force -Deceased - Eagleson, Wilson Vash, II, 1st Lt - USAF Retired. https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=156382
  46. ^ Together We Served. "Roll of Honor - U.S. Air Force -Deceased - Eagleson, Wilson Vash, II, 1st Lt - USAF Retired. https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=156382
  47. ^ Together We Served. "Roll of Honor - U.S. Air Force -Deceased - Eagleson, Wilson Vash, II, 1st Lt - USAF Retired. https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=156382
  48. ^ Together We Served. "Roll of Honor - U.S. Air Force -Deceased - Eagleson, Wilson Vash, II, 1st Lt - USAF Retired. https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=156382
  49. ^ Together We Served. "Roll of Honor - U.S. Air Force -Deceased - Eagleson, Wilson Vash, II, 1st Lt - USAF Retired. https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=156382
  50. ^ Together We Served. "Roll of Honor - U.S. Air Force -Deceased - Eagleson, Wilson Vash, II, 1st Lt - USAF Retired. https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=156382
  51. ^ Together We Served. "Roll of Honor - U.S. Air Force -Deceased - Eagleson, Wilson Vash, II, 1st Lt - USAF Retired. https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=156382
  52. ^ Together We Served. "Roll of Honor - U.S. Air Force -Deceased - Eagleson, Wilson Vash, II, 1st Lt - USAF Retired. https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=156382
  53. ^ Together We Served. "Roll of Honor - U.S. Air Force -Deceased - Eagleson, Wilson Vash, II, 1st Lt - USAF Retired. https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=156382
  54. ^ Together We Served. "Roll of Honor - U.S. Air Force -Deceased - Eagleson, Wilson Vash, II, 1st Lt - USAF Retired. https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=156382
  55. ^ Together We Served. "Roll of Honor - U.S. Air Force -Deceased - Eagleson, Wilson Vash, II, 1st Lt - USAF Retired. https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=156382
  56. ^ CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii
  57. ^ St. Louis Today. "Lt. Wilson Eagleson credited with 2 aerial kills." Erica Smith. Sep 26, 2009. https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/military/article_fb49aef6-5eee-11df-bdf2-0017a4a78c22.html
  58. ^ St. Louis Today. "Lt. Wilson Eagleson credited with 2 aerial kills." Erica Smith. Sep 26, 2009. https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/military/article_fb49aef6-5eee-11df-bdf2-0017a4a78c22.html
  59. ^ CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii
  60. ^ CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii
  61. ^ CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii
  62. ^ CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii
  63. ^ CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii
  64. ^ CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii
  65. ^ CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii
  66. ^ NCPedia. "Wilson Vash Eagleson II - A Tuskegee Airman 1920 - 2006." Doris McLean Bates. Reprinted with permission from the Tar Heel Junior Historian, Fall 2003. Tar Heel Junior Historian Association, NC Museum of History. https://www.ncpedia.org/biography/eagleson-wilson
  67. ^ Wilson V. Eagleson Chapter, Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.. Web site: http://www.tuskegeeair-nc.org/ )
  68. ^ CAF Rise Above. "Wilson Vash “Swampy” Eagleson II." https://cafriseabove.org/wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wilson-vash-swampy-eagleson-ii
  69. ^ St. Louis Today. "Lt. Wilson Eagleson credited with 2 aerial kills." Erica Smith. Sep 26, 2009. https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/military/article_fb49aef6-5eee-11df-bdf2-0017a4a78c22.html
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Wilson_V._Eagleson&oldid=1036917606"