The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, PFC Anthony Joseph O'Neill, who died in the service of his country on May 18th, 1969 in Kontum Province, Vietnam. The cause of death was listed as Small Arms/AW. At the time of his death Anthony was 21 years of age. He was from New York, New York. Anthony is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Panel 24W, Line 47.
The decorations earned by PFC Anthony Joseph O'Neill include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Bronze Star with V, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.
Anthony was born on 10/15/1947 in London, England to Irish parents Michael and Mary O'Neill. He came to the United States in August, 1949 and was raised in Manhattan in NYC. He aspired to be a U.S. citizen and did so upon eligibility at age eighteen. Tony spent most of his childhood in the Inwood section of Manhattan and went to Good Shepherd grammar school. He studied for the priesthood at Cathedral Prep (Manhattan), but left and graduated from Bishop Dubois H.S. (Manhattan) and went to Iona College in New Rochelle, NY. A brilliant student, he decided after three years of college to waive his student deferment and serve his country by joining the Army in 1968. He was killed in action 05/18/1969 at the age of 21. He was survived by his parents and two younger sisters, Mary and (Lillian) Jean, and a younger brother, Michael. A model citizen, a model human being. Missed by friends and family to this day.
From a fellow Inwood native: "God Be good to him" he was Inwood's Finest...He is with the Lord..Kevin Grace (Academy St.)
Anthony is buried in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Hawthorne, NY. Section 38, Plot 217, Grave 6. Interred 05/31/1969
(His BSV Citation)
General Orders 5313, 4th Infantry Division, August 10, 1969
For heroism in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class O'Neill distinguished himself while serving as a Grenadier with Company D, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry. On May 18, 1969 his unit was going to the aid of a sister company which was in heavy contact with a large enemy force. As his unit reached the battle area they also came under intense enemy fire. Reacting immediately, Private First Class O'Neill moved from his rear position to the area of contact. With the dense foliage preventing the use of his M-79 grenade launcher, he procured the weapon of a wounded comrade and proceeded to place a heavy volume of fire on the enemy positions; allowing his unit to withdraw to a defensive perimeter. As Private First Class O'Neill started to move towards the safety of his unit's perimeter he was mortally wounded by the hostile fire. Private First Class O'Neill's selfless heroism, determination, and exemplary devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United Sates Army.
|
