James J. O'Neil
U.S. Army Air Force, 5th Air Force,
49th Fighter Group, 7th Fighter Squadron
P-40 Warhawk pilot
Background
James Joseph O'Neil was born September 8, 1921 in Ames, Idaho.
Wartime History
On August 27, 1942. enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as an aviation cadet and began flight training. On April 26, 1943 at Moore Field, Texas earned his wings and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant with serial number O-677117. O'Neil was sent overseas to the South West Pacific Area (SWPA).
Assigned to the 5th Air Force (5th AF), 49th Fighter Group (49th FG), 7th Fighter Squadron (7th FS) as a fighter pilot. Assigned to P-40N "Spooky / Dolores" 42-105472 Squadron Number 17 (White 17).
On March 12, 1944 took off piloting P-40 Warhawk from Gusap Airfield on an escort mission over Wewak and claimed a fighter at low level over the sea off Brandi.
Later in 1944, transitioned to fly the P-38 Lightning.
On November 24, 1944 flying a P-38 Lightning he claimed two victories over Leyte.
After 20 months overseas, he returned to the United States. On June 14, 1945 killed in a crash at Riverside, California.
Aerial Victory Claims
O'Neil was officially credited with three aerial victories between March 12, 1944 to November 24, 1944.
| Victory |
Date |
Location |
Aircraft |
Notes on claim |
| 1 |
03/12/44 |
Brandi |
Ki-43 Oscar |
First aerial victory claim. |
| 2 |
11/24/44 |
Leyte |
A6M Zero |
Second aerial victory claim. |
| 3 |
11/24/44 |
Leyte |
A6M Zero |
Third aerial victory claim. |
Memorials
O'Neil is buried at Ames Municipal Cemetery in Ames, Idaho. His grave has a P-38 Lightning, cross and the epitaph "He gave his life for God and Country".
Awards
O'Neil earned the Air Medal in March 1944 then an Oak Leaf Cluster and Legion of Merit in April 1944.
References
USAF Historical Study No. 85 USAF Credits For The Destruction of Enemy Aircraft, World War II Alphabetical: O’Neil, James J. page 144 (PDF page 151)
The Ames Tribune "WWII plane discovered in New Guinea connects to Ames pilot" by Bob Zientara February 15, 2009
FindAGrave - Lieut James Joseph O'Neil (grave photos)
Contribute Information
Do you have photos or additional information to add?
|
