Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Lawrence Frederick O’Neill (ASN: 0-665434), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-47 Fighter Pilot of the 342d Fighter Squadron, 348th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    342d Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    348th Fighter Group

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    December 26, 1943
    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 68 (July 15, 1944)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Lawrence Frederick O’Neill (ASN: 0-665434), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Fighter Airplane in the 342d Fighter Squadron, 348th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 26 December 1943, Near Cape Gloucester, New Britain. On this date First Lieutenant O’Neill shot down four enemy aircraft in a single mission. First Lieutenant O’Neill’s unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 5th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.