William O’Neill
Born: 1848 at Tariffville, Connecticut
Home Town: New York, New York
Medal of Honor
U.S. Army
American Indian Wars
Date of Issue: November 19, 1872
The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Corporal William O’Neill, United States Army, for bravery in action on 29 September 1872, while serving with Company I, 4th U.S. Cavalry, in action at Red River, Texas.
Distinguished Service Cross
U.S. Army
World War I
General Orders 71, W.D., 1919
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William O’Neill, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the valley of Suippes, France, July 14 – 16, 1918. Wounded by a shell fragment, Sergeant ONeill returned to his platoon and engaged in hand-to-hand fighting after having his wound dressed. Wounded two days later by a machine-gun bullet, he again returned to the firing line, after receiving first aid, and led a successful charge against an enemy position. His personal heroism was an inspiration to him men. He was killed while consolidating a position his platoon had just taken.
