E. C. Black, Jr. was born near Frederick, Oklahoma on 28 May 1925.

He served in the U.S. Navy aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Attu during World War II. The USS Attu was named after the Aleutian Island chain's westernmost and largest island "Attu" off the coast of Alaska. The USS Attu was originally called "Elbour Bay" before being renamed on 6 November 1943.

The USS Attu was the 48th CASABLANCA - class escort aircraft carrier and the first ship in the Navy to bear the name. She operated primarily in the Pacific Theater and served to resupply and replenish task force groups with fresh aircraft and pilots. She served from Pearl Harbor, Guadalcanal, Espiritu Santo, New Guinea, Guam, and Ulithi. Upon the cessation of hostilities was announced with Japan, the USS Attu performed in Operation Magic Carpet, shuttling thousands of American soldiers back home for repatriation. Decommissioned at Norfolk, VA on 8 June 1946.

Upon his return to Wichita Falls, Mr. Black attended Midwestern State University. He married Betty Lou Stone on 25 August 1946.

E C Black