Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Regiment:

    165th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    42d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 14 – 15, 1918

    War Department, General Orders 71 (1919)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant William O’Neill (ASN: 90713), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company H, 165th Infantry Regiment, 42d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in the valley of Suippes, France, 14 – 15 July 1918. Wounded by a shell fragment, Sergeant O’Neill returned to his platoon and engaged in hand-to-hand fighting after having his wound dressed. Wounded two days later by a machine-gun bullet, he again returned to the firing line, after receiving first aid, and led a successful charge against an enemy position. His personal heroism was an inspiration to him men. He was killed while consolidating a position his platoon had just taken.