Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Pilot Officer

Awarded on:

July 30th, 1940

Recommendation:
"This Officer has flown 360 hours operational flying since commencement of War. He has shown great courage and determination and is full of fighting spirit.
On 15.4.40 he flew his aircraft with great determination to Stavangar aerodrome, 300 miles across the North Sea. It was dark, and a gale wind blowing accompanied by heavy showers of sleet. Very heavy A.A. fire was encountered, which included chain shells which burst into groups of bluish-white stars which again exploded. In spite of this opposition the bombs were dropped on the corner of the aerodrome in which the hangar stood, causing considerable damage. The pilot and navigator made commendably detailed observations of the ground defences, and on their return were able to plot these on photographs. On 16.4.40 this officer carried out a most successful reconnaisssance of Bergen, Birkeland and Arne. Much important information was obtained, and some excellent photographs taken from low altitude. Towards the end of the reconnaissance two enemy ME 109’s were sighted but by making skilfull use of the contours of the country the pilot managed to avoid detection and so returned safely with the information he had obtained. On 18.4.40 when on escort duty to H.M.S. Suffolk and four Destroyers he attacked and drove off a DO.215 which was attempting to attack the ships and later by circling the surface vessels kept off another DO.215 until the arrival of 3 Skaus who drove the enemy off.
On 23.4.40 while on reconnaissance of Romsdale Fjord was fired on by shore battery at Asndalsness, A/C sustained 3 direct hits inflicting severe damage to the starboard wheel, tanks were punctured and approximately 100 gals of petrol and 12 gals oil lost. In spite of loss of fuel and damage to A/C, this officer made a successful return flight across the North Sea and made a safe landing.
On 12.6.40 carried out bombing raid on shipping in Bergen Harbour, direct hit obtained with 4250 lb and 3 incendiaries on Lakswaag Docks, on leaving target fire was observed growing in intensity, fire was observed near docks in water probably a ship. Heavy A.A. fire was encountered during raid.
This officer, during his operational work has shown a high standard of gallantry and by returning his A/C and crew safely to base after engagement with the enemy shows a high standard of skill and determination."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Pilot Officer

Awarded on:

January 1st, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Squadron Leader

Unit:

No. 1435 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

October 11th, 1943

Recommendation:
"S/Ldr. O’Neill assumed command of No. 1435 Squadron on 10th March 1943, and during his tour of duty in Malta has led the Squadron with great success. He has also on a number of occasions led the Wing in which his Squadron was a Unit.
On 22nd March, 1943, he led the Squadron in a low level attack on a factory in Sicily upon which direct hits were obtained.
Again on 15th, 23rd, 27th, and 29th, June, 1943, he led the Squadron in fighter bomber attacks on targets at Comiso, Pozzallo and Gerbini, direct hits being scored on each occasion. In addition he has attacked and damaged a tank landing craft off Augusta and a schooner off Syracuse. He has completed 912 operational flying hours, 92 of which have been flown from Malta. His operational flying has involved 350 operational sorties, 8 of which he has carried out from Malta including sweeps, escorts to bombers, fighter bomber raids on enemy territory and intruder sorties. His total score to date is 2 and half enemy aircraft destroyed and 5 damaged.
S/Ldr. O’Neill is a determined leader and sets an example to his pilots by his courage and determination."

Second DFC awarded as a bar for on the ribbon of the first DFC.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Squadron Leader

Unit:

No. 322 (Dutch) Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

December 19th, 1947

Recommendation:
"Gallantry, leadership and determination displayed in action against the enemy during a number of flights in an aeroplane in the period of half a year, in his function of Commander of 322 Dutch Squadron of fighter-aircrafts. His devotion and willingness to join issue with the enemy at all times, have been an example to the Dutch Flying-men under his command."

Royal Cecree No.25, dated December 19th, 1947.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

With "FRANCE AND GERMANY" bar.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

With "NORTH AFRICA 1942-43" bar.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)