In memory of Mr. B-52

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Allison M. Boehm
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Locals in the Barksdale community regularly see B-52 Stratofortresses soaring overhead, but behind every aircraft lies an even greater story of a true American hero who brought them here and now he has passed on.

Retired Maj. Gen. William E. Eubank Jr.'s military career began Feb. 21, 1936, as he entered the aviation cadet program. After earning his wings, his first aviation assignment was to the 3rd Attack Group and later the 27th Bomb Group, both at Barksdale Field, La.

Quickly progressing through the ranks during World War II, he became commander of the 93rd Bomb Wing at Castle Air Force Base, Calif., in 1953, and in 1955 he flew the first operational B-52 from the Boeing plant in Seattle to Castle. The B-52 crews from his wing won the Mackay Trophy for their non-stop, around-the-world flight. On Aug. 15, 1959, he became deputy commander of 2nd Air Force at Barksdale and retired as a major general on Sept. 1, 1965, with 29 years of service. Because of his involvement from its beginning, General Eubank is affectionately known as "Mr. B-52."

General Eubank accomplished many great things in his 29 years of military service beginning a 73-year marriage and family with his wife, Marie; obtaining 4,500 flying hours, 60 of which were in combat; commanding numerous groups; and the general was even a survivor of Bataan and Corregidor during World War II.

His dedication to protecting those close to him was constant, especially prior to departing Bataan. General Eubank ensured his Airmen were moved to safer ground and literally carried one of his squadron members from the hospital so he wouldn't be left behind in the evacuation of Bataan.

"General Eubank's service and achievements provide an example of the Air Force's Core Values - Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence In All We Do," said Lane Callaway, 8th Air Force historian.

As well as setting the example for others to follow, the general was an avid defender.

"He was a true protector," said his daughter, Sandi DeRamus, during her father's memorial service. "He protected his country. He cared about protecting his family and his friends meant so much to him. I can remember as a little girl, when the threat of invasion was very real where we were, at Castle, we would hear the sirens, and I knew when my dad left on a mission it was going to be something dangerous. I always asked him 'Where are you going?' And he always said the same thing, 'I'm going to Texas.'"

Mrs. DeRamus said her father made it a priority to ease her worries and was a "true example of a great man," and during his military career made each new move their next "great adventure."

The homage paid to the general during his memorial service showed a man who had made it a priority to balance a demanding work schedule and family time. His granddaughter Shannon DeRamus recalled memories of the general camping, playing badminton with her and always laughing at 'Tom and Jerry' cartoons.

Although the general has passed on to his next great adventure, through his life, General Eubank personified the meaning of his first name because William means protector, and for 98 years he remained committed and devoted to the protection of his family, friends and his country.