World War II Honoree

Harry L. O'Neal

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Philip, South Dakota

Honored By

Judy Irving Woody

Relationship

Friend

LIEUTENANT. B-17F PILOT WITH THE 95TH BOMB GROUP, 336TH BOMB SQUADRON, FLEW 25 MISSIONS FROM FRAMLINGHAM AND HORHAM, ENGLAND FROM JUNE - OCTOBER 1943. HIS AWARDS FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE INCLUDED AMONG OTHERS THE AIR MEDAL WITH FOUR OAK LEAF CLUSTERS, THE PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION WITH ONE CLUSTER, AND THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS. THE SOLDIER'S MEDAL WAS AWARDED FOR 'HEROISM DISPLAYED 4 OCT 1943 WHEN HE CRASH-LANDED HIS BURNING AIRPLANE. KNOWING THAT THE BOMBS WOULD EXPLODE AT ANY MINUTE, HE REMAINED IN THE FLAMING AIRCRAFT UNTIL HE COULD EXTRICATE THE UNCONSCIOUS CO-PILOT AND CARRY HIM TO A PLACE OF SAFETY. THE HEROISM DISPLAYED BY LIEUTENANT O'NEAL UNDOUTEDLY SAVED THE LIFE OF HIS COMRADE AND REFLECTS HIGHEST CREDIT UPON HIMSELF AND THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES'.