World War II Honoree

David Ferguson O'Neill

Branch of Service

U.S. Marine Corps

Hometown

Huntsville, Alabama

Honored By

Pearl Thomas

Became a Naval aviator. In July 1941, he joined 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. In October 1942, he embarked for South Pacific and served as Air Liaison Officer between I Marine Amphibious Corps and 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. He participated in several aerial combat missions during the Battle of Guadalcanal and received his first Air Medal. In July 1943, he assumed command of Strike Command, Aircraft Solomon Islands, controlling all Navy, Marine and RNZAF dive bombing, torpedo-bombing, and search planes. He led his command during the strikes on New Britain, Munda, and Bougainville and received two awards of Legion of Merit with Combat "V" and two more Air Medals. He returned to Washington, D.C. in March 1944, where he joined the Headquarters Marine Corps. In December 1944, he was transferred to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina for duty as Chief of Staff of the base.