Navy Federal Credit Union

Guy O’Neil graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1937. He retired as a U.S. Navy Captain.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander [then Lieutenant Commander]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Gunnel (SS-253)

    Action Date:

    October 21 – December 28, 1944

    Commander In Chief Pacific: Serial 01857 (March 5, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Guy Edward O’Neil, Jr. (NSN: 0-78863), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. GUNNEL (SS-253), on the SEVENTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 21 October 1944 to 28 December 1944, in enemy Japanese-controlled waters of the South China Sea and Sulu Sea. Skillfully maneuvering his ship into a favorable position to strike at enemy shipping, Commander O’Neil launched a well-planned and brilliantly executed torpedo attack against an enemy convoy which resulted in the sinking of a 10,000 ton tanker and another vessel of 4,000 tons and the damaging of two additional vessels totaling 11,300 tons. Despite the severe enemy air and surface countermeasures and adverse weather conditions, Commander O’Neil launched a daring down-the-throat torpedo attack to sink a hostile torpedo boat and, in addition to the severe damage inflicted on the enemy, performed hazardous lifeguard duties. His sound tactical judgment and expert seamanship throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander [then Lieutenant Commander]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Bonefish (SS-223)

    Action Date:

    September 22 – October 21, 1943

    Commander, 7th Fleet: Serial 01664 (June 25, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Guy Edward O’Neil, Jr. (NSN: 0-78863), United States Navy, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as Executive Officer, Navigator and Assistant Approach Officer of the U.S.S. BONEFISH (SS-223), on the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine from 22 September 1943 to 21 October 1943, in enemy controlled waters of the South China Sea. Cool and courageous despite the close proximity of strong Japanese Military and Naval forces, Commander O’Neil rendered invaluable service to his commanding officer as the BONEFISH struck repeatedly at enemy shipping and, skillfully aiding in the control of torpedo and gunfire of his submarine, contributed to the sinking of over 40,000 tons of shipping and to the infliction of additional damage on approximately 6,000 tons of enemy surface vessels. Expertly controlling his station in the face of repeated enemy depth-charge, aerial-bomb and shellfire attacks, he was instrumental in fulfilling a hazardous and important mission and, by his gallantry and intrepidity under the most trying combat conditions, upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Division:

    U.S.S. Salmon (SS-182)

    Action Date:

    1942 & 1943

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Guy Edward O’Neil, Jr. (NSN: 0-78863), United States Navy, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as Diving Officer in the Submarine U.S.S. SALMON (SS-182), during four war patrols in enemy Japanese controlled waters in 1942 and 1943. By his skillful control of the submarine during submerged attacks and his cool courage during severe enemy counter efforts, Lieutenant O’Neil contributed directly to the success of the SALMON in sinking one Japanese cruiser and one destroyer, and in seriously damaging another cruiser with two torpedo hits. His outstanding ability and fearless devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.