 Eagles was ordered to Camp Gruber, Oklahoma and assumed command of 351st Infantry Regiment, part of 9th Infantry Division.He held that command for only one month, when he was promoted to the temporary rank of brigadier general on July 23, 1942 and was appointed Assistant Division Commander, 3rd Infantry Division under Major General Jonathan W. Anderson.While attached to 3rd Infantry Division, he was co-responsible for the training and preparation of men for combat deployment overseas.