World War II Honoree

Virgil Vernon Eckleberry, Sr.

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Phoenix, Arizona

Honored By

Avis Hornick

Relationship

Niece

SERVED AS TANK COMMANDER IN H COMPANY, 33RD ARMORED REGIMENT. 3RD ARMORED DIVISION UNDER GENERAL PATTON. LANDED IN FRANCE ON D-DAY PLUS 3. AWARDED THE SILVER STAR FOR HIS 'PERSONAL BRAVERY, COURAGE AND SKILLFUL HANDLING OF HIS MEN' WHEN HE TOOK CHARGE AFTER HIS COMMANDER WAS KILLED IN FIGHTING AUGUST 10-12, 1944. WOUNDED ON AUGUST 14 AND AWARDED A PURPLE HEART. SPENT NEXT 11 MONTHS RECOVERING FROM HIS WOUNDS. DISCHARGED JULY 6, 1945.