Born in Porterville, California, May 19, 1919
Graduated from the Santa Barbara California High School June 1937
Enrolled in the University of California, Davis, August 1937 Two-Year Curriculum-Combination Program
Member Beta Phi (Kappa Sigma) Fraternity Completed three semesters in residence

Military Service

MILITARY HISTORY
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Military Training

Enlisted as Aviation Cadet, Army Air Corps, Los Angeles, California, 29 October 1941.
Completed Primary Flying Program, Rankin Aeronautical School, Tulare, California, 19 January 1942.
Completed Basic Flying Program, Merced, California, 21 March 1942.
Graduated from the Advanced Flying School, Mather Field, California, 21 May 1942.

COMMISSIONED Second Lieutenant, AUS, Air Corps Reserve, Pilot, 21 May 1942 COMMISSIONED First Lieutenant, AUS, 3 December 1942.

Active Service Assignments

Lt. Eckles departed the United States for duty in the Asiatic-Pacific Area, 8 June 1943. On arrival at Hickam Field, Hawaii, he was assigned to the 98th Bombing Squadron, 5th Bombing Group as Pilot.
19 July 1943, Lt. Eckles left Carney Field, Guadalcanal, on a bombing mission to Kahili Airdrome, Bougainville, Solomon Islands Group. His plane was last seen about ten miles north of thetarget and was believed lost as a result of enemy action.
In Service 1 year, 8 months and 21 days.

Lieutenant Eckles was presumed dead 11 January 1946 in accordance with the provisions of Sec. 2, Public Law 490 77th Congress.

Decorations and Awards

AIR MEDAL* GO 169 USAF ISPA 2 July, 1942.
AMERICAN DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL.
ASIATIC-PACIFIC CAMPAIGN MEDAL with four Bronze Service Stars for participation in Central Pacific, Guadalcanal, New Guines and Northern Solomons Campaign.
WORLD WAR II VICTORY MEDAL.
DISTINGUISHED UNIT CITATION EMBLEM.
PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION (Ribbon) NAVY.
AVIATION BADGE (PILOT).
THE ACCOLADE.

* CITATION ‘For Meritorious achievement while participating, during the period 7 July 1942 to 5 March, in 11 operational air flights totaling over 107 hours, during which exposure to enemy fire was probable and expected.’