(Born: February 9, 1966 – Angelversary: August 12, 2003)

Staff Sgt. Richard Selden Eaton, Jr. dedicated his life to service, courage, and protecting his fellow Soldiers. Born on February 9, 1966, in New Haven, Connecticut, and raised in Guilford, Eaton displayed a sense of duty from an early age. Choosing direct Army service over West Point, he sought hands-on experience as a Soldier and intelligence professional, ultimately specializing in Military Intelligence (MI) and counterintelligence operations.

Eaton’s career spanned continents and missions. He served in Korea, Honduras, Panama, the Philippines, and El Salvador, developing skills that would later define his role in Iraq. Fluent in Korean, Spanish, and Arabic, he bridged cultural and linguistic gaps for his team, earning the respect of every Soldier he trained and mentored.

In the Army Reserve, Eaton was assigned to B Company, 323rd Military Intelligence Battalion at Fort Meade, Maryland, where he became a trusted counterintelligence agent. He survived the September 11, 2001, Pentagon attacks due to a renovation that spared his office — a narrow escape that reinforced his commitment to service.

In March 2003, Staff Sgt. Eaton deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, joining the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment in Al Anbar Province, including the combat zones of Al-Hit and Ramadi. In the unforgiving desert heat, he led HUMINT operations and counterintelligence missions with relentless dedication, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of his unit.

After a grueling 24-hour engagement in Al-Hit, the extreme heat and exertion took their toll. Despite medical attention, Eaton passed in his sleep on August 12, 2003, at a base camp in Ramadi, leaving behind a legacy of selfless service and heroism.

Unit & Award

323rd Military Intelligence Battalion

Military Intelligence Corps

Bronze Star Medal

Army Commendation Medal

Army Achievement Medal

Awards & Decorations

• Bronze Star Medal
• Military Intelligence Corps Knowlton Award
• Army Commendation Medal (with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters)
• Army Achievement Medal (with Silver & Oak Leaf Clusters)
• Good Conduct Medal (3 awards)
• National Defense Service Medal
• Army Superior Unit Award
• Overseas Service Ribbon (5 awards)
• Expert Marksmanship Badge (Rifle, Pistol, Grenade)

Timeline

• Feb 9, 1966: Born, New Haven, CT
• 1980s–1990s: Enlisted in Army; served in global MI/CI assignments
• Sept 11, 2001: Pentagon assignment; survived attack
• Mar 2003: Deployed to Iraq
• Aug 12, 2003: Angelversary, Ramadi, Iraq
• Apr 23, 2024: Fort Belvoir Army Reserve Center dedicated in his honor

Memorials & Legacy

• Buried in Grove Street Cemetery, New Haven, CT, near family military heritage
• Fort Belvoir Army Reserve Center named Staff Sgt. Richard S. Eaton Jr. Army Reserve Center in 2024
• Remembered for leadership, mentorship, and service by family and comrades

❤️ Family & Comrades

Eaton’s mother described him as an “interesting kid” who lived fully and served courageously. Comrades highlight his mentorship, leadership, and the lasting impact he had on Military Intelligence Soldiers. His life and sacrifice continue to inspire Soldiers and Americans alike.

Dates

• Birth: February 9, 1966
• Angelversary: August 12, 2003