On November 7, 1944, a Division Field Order was issued, directing the Regiment to cross the river at Uckange to seize the Bertrange bridgehead and the Hannibois Woods. Eaton’s battalion was tasked with taking the Hannibois Woods, so they launched a night attack. However, unbeknownst to them, this was the Germans’ final protective line, and they had scattered small arms and artillery fire over the area in the week preceding the Division Field Order. During this time, the Second Battalion was occupying their defensive positions in the Bois de l’Abbe.
On November 8, 1944, the attacks began at 2100 hours. Eaton supported his battalion with heavy machine gunfire and 81mm mortar fire. Because he was the squad leader of the 1st squadron, he was tasked with looking for a suitable observation post to aid in the struggle for occupation of the Hannibois Woods. However, he fought offensively until 1200 hours the next day without fully completing this task. Only one observation point was obtained. Furthermore, he was supposed to withdraw along with the rest of his company, but he could not be reached despite attempts to contact him. At this point, Eaton and the couple of other squad leaders who had gone with him, including George A. Wise, were declared missing in action.
Because of this, they were now alone. Without any replacement or support, they dug in, preparing to go on the defense. When it seemed safe, they left to find a second observation point, but were met by a German patrol, and a gun battle ensued. Eaton was badly wounded in the head and chest, and he would lay at the front lines until dawn of the next day. Still unable to contact the rest of his company, Eaton and the other squad leaders were picked up by the Germans and brought to a German aid station. Afterwards, they were brought to a hospital near Metz, and Eaton died upon arrival. Wise would go on to become a prisoner of war, and he goes on to relay the information he had about Eaton after liberation.