Neel Ernest Kearby

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Colonel (Air Corps) Neel Ernest Kearby (ASN: 0-21630), United States Army Air Forces, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 343d Fighter Group, Fifth Air Force, in action with the enemy over Wewak, New Guinea, on 11 October 1943. Colonel Kearby volunteered to lead a flight of four fighters to reconnoiter the strongly defended enemy base at Wewak. Having observed enemy installations and reinforcements at four airfields, and secured important tactical information, he saw an enemy fighter below him, made a diving attack and shot it down in flames. The small formation then sighted approximately 12 enemy bombers accompanied by 36 fighters. Although his mission had been completed, his fuel was running low, and the numerical odds were twelve-to-one, he gave the signal to attack. Diving into the midst of the enemy airplanes he shot down three in quick succession. Observing one of his comrades with two enemy fighters in pursuit, he destroyed both enemy aircraft. The enemy broke off in large numbers to make a multiple attack on his airplane but despite his peril he made one more pass before seeking cloud protection. Coming into the clear, he called his flight together and led them to a friendly base. Colonel Kearby brought down six enemy aircraft in this action, undertaken with superb daring after his mission was completed.