The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel James William O’Neil (AFSN: AO-3023749/FR-46748A), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105G Pilot over North Vietnam on 13 August 1972. On that date, while leading a flight of four F-105’s, Colonel O’Neil repeatedly engaged enemy air defense positions which included surface-to-air missile sites and enemy aircraft. With complete disregard for his own safety, he maneuvered his flight into optimum position combating the missile sites and enabling the strike forces to reach their targets, complete the mission, and safely withdraw. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel O’Neil reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
September 29, 1972 – March 29, 1973
Lieutenant Colonel James William O’Neil (AFSN: AO-3023749/FR-46748A), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from September 29, 1972 until his release on March 29, 1973.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
September 1972 – March 1973
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel James William O’Neil (AFSN: AO-3023749/FR-46748A), United States Air Force, for heroic achievement while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam during the period September 1972 to March 1973. His ceaseless efforts to conduct himself strictly in accord with the Code of Conduct and policies of the prisoner organization in the difficult conditions of a communist prison clearly demonstrated his loyalty, love of country, and professionalism. By his unselfish dedication to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelBatallion:
17th Wild Weasel SquadronDivision:
Korat Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
September 29, 1972
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel James William O’Neil (AFSN: AO-3023749/FR-46748A), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-105G Pilot of the 17th Wild Weasel Squadron, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action near Phuc Yen Airfield, North Vietnam, on 29 September 1972. On that date, while supporting air strikes against enemy storage areas, Colonel O’Neil repeatedly exposed himself to enemy anti-aircraft defenses in order to draw fire away from nearby American forces. With complete disregard for his own safety, Colonel O’Neil continued to engage a surface-to-air missile site despite indications of a missile accurately tracking his aircraft. This courageous and aggressive attack enabled the strike forces to penetrate the target area defenses, successfully complete their mission, and safely withdraw. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Colonel O’Neil has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-655 (August 20, 1966)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Major James William O’Neil (AFSN: AO-3023749/FR-46748A), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a combat aircrew member in Southeast Asia on 26 June 1966. On that date, while under intense and accurate fire from unfriendly forces, Major O’Neil demonstrated cool courage, undaunted determination, and superior skill in pressing home devastating air attacks against hostile positions. Persevering in the face of danger and death, he relentlessly and effectively aided in neutralizing the hostile forces. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major O’Neil reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.