Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Eugene
Walter
O’Neill
, Jr.
February 10, 1919

–

August 30, 1998

Born:

Jersey City

, 

New Jersey

Home:

Jersey City

, 

New Jersey

Buried: 

Arlington

, 

Virginia

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

During World War II, Eugene O’Neill flew 87 combat missions and became an ACE, credited with the destruction of 5 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. After the war he transferred to the new U.S. Air Force, and retired in 1964 as a Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    62d Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    56th Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    November 26, 1943
    Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 263 (April 10, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Air Corps) Eugene Walter O’Neill, Jr. (ASN: 0-432203), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as a Pilot of a P-47 Thunderbolt Fighter Airplane of the 62d Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, while leading a Flight of P-47 fighter aircraft furnishing support for bombers withdrawing from a mission over Germany, 26 November 1943. As rendezvous was made with the bombers, a large force of rocket-carrying aircraft were observed preparing to attack the formation. In a furious aerial battle which ensued, Captain O’Neill engaged and destroyed one of the enemy planes, pressing his attack so close that pieces of the disintegrating plane damaged his own aircraft, knocking off a portion of the wing tip and damaging the tail assembly. In spite of this, Captain O’Neill, thinking only of the safety of the bombers, attacked and destroyed another enemy fighter that was vigorously attacking a straggling bomber. The gallantry, aggressive fighting spirit and exceptional skill displayed by Captain O’Neill contributed in a large measure to the successful withdrawal of the bomber formation. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain O’Neill, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    62d Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    56th Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Eugene Walter O’Neill, Jr. (ASN: 0-432203), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-47 Fighter Pilot of the 62d Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European 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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    62d Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    56th Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Eugene Walter O’Neill, Jr. (ASN: 0-432203), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-47 Fighter Pilot of the 62d Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European 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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    62d Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    56th Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Eugene Walter O’Neill, Jr. (ASN: 0-432203), 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 62d Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European 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.