Retired 1st Sgt. Harold Eatman passes at 102 years old

AW1Ed sends us the sad news that retired First Sergeant Harold Eatman has passed at the age of 102 years old. He was an original member of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment and one of the few who jumped four times with the 82d Airborne Division during World War II, according to Army Times;

“Harold Eatman was among the generation of All American paratroopers who defeated Nazism, liberated Europe, and inspired many generations of paratroopers to follow,” said Lt. Col. Joe Buccino, spokesman for the 82nd Airborne, in a statement. “We always say that when you wear the Double A patch, you walk among legends. One of those legends has passed.”

Eatman was one of fewer than 2,800 paratroopers to have made all four World War II combat jumps with the 82nd Airborne Division — in Sicily, Salerno, Normandy and Holland. Fewer than 16 now remain living, according to the 82nd Airborne.

Eatman volunteered to serve in the Army in 1942, according to the 82nd Airborne. He served in H Company, 505th Regimental Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, from October 1942 through September 1945.

His awards and decorations include the French Legion of Honor, the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, two Army Commendation Medals, and the Senior Parachutist Badge with four bronze stars.

Category: We Remember