A graduate of the United States Military Academy (USMA), he is most noted for his service during World War II as Commanding General (CG) of the 45th Infantry Division from 1943 to 1944.

He graduated from there in April 1917, shortly after the American entry into World War I, with a Bachelor's degree and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Infantry Branch of the United States Army.

Other classmates include: Clare H. Armstrong, Aaron Bradshaw Jr., Mark W. Clark, John T. Cole, Norman Cota, John M. Devine, Theodore L. Futch, Charles H. Gerhardt, Augustus M. Gurney, Ernest N. Harmon, Arthur M. Harper, William Kelly Harrison Jr., Robert W. Hasbrouck, Herbert C. Holdridge, Frederick A. Irving, Laurence B. Keiser, Charles S. Kilburn, Bryant Moore, Daniel Noce, Onslow S. Rolfe, Herbert N. Schwarzkopf, Albert C. Smith, George D. Wahl, Raymond E. S. Williamson, and George H.

[5] He rose to the rank of first lieutenant in May 1917 and then to captain in August[5] and later assumed duty as an instructor at the Army Infantry School at Fort Benning, Georgia in early 1921.

One year later, Eagles was ordered to Fort Sam Houston, Texas, where he joined the headquarters of 8th Corps Area under Major General Herbert J. Brees as Officer-in-Charge of Supply, Construction & Budget.

[2][3] By the beginning of November 1940, Eagles was attached to the headquarters, VIII Corps, commanded by Major General George V. Strong and located at Fort Sam Houston.

Aided by Brigadier General Paul C. Paschal as his ADC, Eagles led the 45th Division during the latter phases of the Anzio landings (codenamed Operation Shingle) in late January 1944.

[7]After being withdrawn, the 45th Division, under Eagles, began conducting training in amphibious warfare, having been selected to participate in the Allied invasion of Southern France (codenamed Operation Dragoon).

[1][2][3] He was appointed President of Interview Boards, Regular Army Integration Program and held that assignment until August 1946, when he was promoted back to major general and assumed command of 9th Infantry Division at Fort Dix, New Jersey.

In February 1952, he was appointed Director of Military Posts Division at the headquarters U.S. European Command and remained in that capacity until January 31, 1953, when he retired from active duty after almost 36 years of commissioned service.