The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant (MC) John Brooks O’Neill (NSN: 0-39849), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism, coolness and excellent judgment in the performance of duty as Medical Officer attached to a small patrol in an engagement at Sapotillal, Nicaragua, on 9 October 1927. During an attack by a vastly superior force on this occasion, the patrol at the time being engaged in the hazardous task of searching for two missing aviators in close proximity to a bandit stronghold, Lieutenant O’Neill not only, at grave risk to his own life, successfully administered medical aid to the wounded, but courageously and effectively rendered invaluable assistance to his Commanding Officer. His actions at all times were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant (MC) John Brooks O’Neill (NSN: 0-39849), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in the line of his profession while acting as a Medical Officer in the Coco River Expedition in Nueva Segovia, Nicaragua, between 4 September, 1928 and 10 October 1928. Lieutenant O’Neill displayed great fortitude and marked ability in administering to the sick and wounded and also distinguished himself as a leader in assisting to overcome the countless obstacles which constantly jeopardized the lives and limbs of every member of the command so that the expedition was enabled to surmount twenty-four extremely and difficult rapids. His actions at all times were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.