Lawrence F. O’Neill

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lawrence F. O’Neill (0-665434), First Lieutenant (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Fighter Airplane in the 342d Fighter Squadron, 348th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 26 December 1943, in the Southwest Pacific Area of Operations. On this date First Lieutenant O’Neill shot down four enemy aircraft in a single mission. First Lieutenant O’Neill’s unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 5th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.