Eugene W. O'Neill Jr.

Eugene Walter O'Neill Jr. (February 10, 1919 – August 30, 1998) was a United States Air Force colonel and a flying ace, who was credited in destroying 5 enemy aircraft in aerial combat during World War II.

Early life O'Neill was born on February 10, 1919, in Jersey City, New Jersey.

Military career On April 25, 1941, he enlisted in the Aviation Cadet Program of the United States Army Air Corps. He was awarded his pilot wings and commissioned as a second lieutenant at Victoria Field in Texas on December 12, just five days after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

During World War II, O'Neill flew 83 combat missions and was credited with the destruction of five enemy aircraft in aerial combat. After his return to the United States in April 1944, he was assigned to the First Air Force as a staff officer and later at the Pentagon.

Awards and decorations His awards include:

Silver Star citation

O'Neill Jr., Eugene W. Captain, U.S. Army Air Forces 62nd Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, Eighth Air Force Date of Action: 26 November 1943

Citation:

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., United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as a Pilot of the 62nd 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.