Ira Edwin Eskridge, was born on August 8, 1900, at Baltimore, Md., graduated from Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, and was appointed a cadet at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, New London, Conn., May 10, 1923.
Graduated and commissioned an Ensign on May 15, 1926, he subsequently was promoted in rank as follows: Lieutenant (jg), May 15, 1928; Lieutenant, May 15, 1930; Lieutenant Commander, June 14, 1936; Commander, December 1, 1942; Captain, August 1, 1943; and Rear Admiral, March 2, 1956.
From June 1926 to May 1931, he served in line duty at Boston, Mass., and New London, Conn., aboard the Cutters Mojave and Tampa and the Destroyers Beale, Ericsson, and Shaw. He next was assigned to the Coast Guard Academy as instructor in mathematics, with collateral duty as Executive Officer of the Receiving Unit. He made the cadet practice cruises aboard the Sebago and Cayuga during that period.
In September 1935, he was transferred to Wilmington, N.C., as Executive Officer aboard the Cutter Modoc. Detached in June 1936, he took command of the Cutter Dione at Norfolk, Va., serving until October 1938. At that time he was named Executive Officer of the Sebago and served in that capacity until January 1940, when assigned to similar duty aboard the Cutter Mendota.
In May 1941, he was designated Director of the Coast Guard Reserve and Auxiliary in the district office at Philadelphia, Penna., and organized the Coast Guard Flotilla of Reserve boats. During this period he also served as officer-in-charge of the Coastal Inshore Patrol at Atlantic City, N.J., Personnel Officer, Operations Officer, and Captain of the Port, 4th Naval District, Philadelphia.
Detached in July 1943, he was assigned to duty in connection with the conversion and outfitting of the USS Aquarius (AKA-16), and served aboard that ship until April 1945, first as Executive Officer, and later as Commanding Officer. The Aquarius participated in Pacific assault and support operations at Kwajalein, Peleliu, Guam, Emirau, Cape Gloucester, Leyte Gulf, Lingayen Gulf, and Okinawa.
"For distinguishing himself by excellent service as Commanding Officer of the USS Aquarius during the amphibious assault on Lingayen Gulf on 9 and 10 January 1945", he received a Citation and Commendation Ribbon. He also earned the following decorations: American Defense with sea clasp, American Campaign, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign and World War II Victory.
He next served for five months at Coast Guard Headquarters, Washington, D.C. as Chief, Headquarters Administration Division, Norfolk, Va., as Chief of Staff, with collateral duty as Captain of the Port.
Detached in September 1949, he was assigned to the Air University, Special Staff School, Craig Air Force Base, Selma, Ala., for a three-month comptroller course. In January 1950 he returned to Headquarters to assume duty as Comptroller serving in that capacity until July 1952, when designated Deputy Chief of Staff at Headquarters. In March 1956, Rear Admiral Eskridge assumed the duties of Commander, 13th Coast Guard District, Seattle, Washington.
Rear Admiral Eskridge has one daughter, Mrs. Carl B. Lind. Mrs. Eskridge is the former Minette Marshall E. of Virginia Beach, Va.