It takes a lot to become an “ace” pilot in combat. It takes courage, determination, skill, and five or more enemy kills in the field. Davis County, and Farmington more specifically, are home to one of the more impressive American fighter aces of World War II: Colonel Glenn T. Eagleston. 

Born and raised in Farmington, Eagleston had joined the United States Army Air Corps in 1940 at age 19, and by the time the United States entered the war in 1941, he had already become a second lieutenant. This young man would enter the war as a commander, and pilot of his own aircraft: the famous P-51 Mustang.

The hotrod of military aircraft, the Mustang was a highly coveted aircraft amongst flyers of the day. With a greater range than many other fighter aircraft, plus a top speed of 440 mph, it was easy to see why so many pilots wanted to get behind the controls. Second Lt. Eagleston didn’t just get behind the controls, however: he found his home there.

Over the course of one short year, Eagleston was able to achieve the designation of “fighter ace,”downing the requisite five enemy aircraft all in his Mustang, “Feeble Eagle,” and earning him the rank of Captain. Eagleston wasn’t done yet, though. By the end of 1944, Eagleston had a confirmed 8 ½ kills to his name, including an intense dogfight in October 1944, in which the pilot downed BF 109s in the space of 30 minutes. 

By the end of his service in the Second World War, Eagleston would add 10 more kills to his total, plus two more probable kills, seven damaged aircraft, and at least five enemy aircraft on the ground. Eagleston would go on to serve honorably in the Korean War as well, attaining the rank of Colonel before his retirement, and adding two more to his downed enemy aircraft total, for a career of 20.5 by 1967.

Colonel Eagleston remains one of the highest decorated veterans from Davis County, including such honors as the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Bronze Star, the Silver Star, the French Croix de Guerre, and a Distinguished Service Cross, among many others. As his citation for the Distinguished Service Cross read, Colonel Eagleston’s “unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.”

In May of 1991, the Colonel passed away at the age of 71. In accordance with his service, and wishes, he was interred in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. λ