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name
O'NEILL, Richard Francis - Date of
birth
19 January 1918 -
Age
25 - Place of
birth
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania -
Hometown
unknown
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
O-798225 -
Rank
First Lieutenant -
Function
Pilot -
Unit
67th Bombardment Squadron,
44th Bombardment Group, Heavy
-
Awards
Purple Heart
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
11 December 1943 - Place of
death
Near Emden, Germany
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Ardennes
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| A | 25 | 15 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Richard J. O'Neill (father)
Helen O'Neill (mother)
May O'Neill (sister)
Jack O'Neill (brother)
James O'Neill (brother)
William O'Neill (brother)
Nancy O'Neill (sister)
Mary E. O'Neill (wife)
Plane data
- Serial
number
41-24232 -
Data
Type: B-24
Nickname: Calaban
Destination: Emden Industrial Area, Germany
Mission: Bombardment
MACR: 1653
More information
1st Lt Richard F. O'Neill graduated from West Catholic High School. He was employed by E.G. Budd Manufacturing Co.- Statement from T/Sgt Gerald D. Mason (17034081): "The aircraft #232 dropped their bombs over the target and appeared to be hit by flak or bombs from the A/C in the formation above. The right wing came off at #4 engine. The ship went into a spin, caught on fire, and crashed. No parachutes were seen."
- Statement from 1st Lt Keith Cookus (O-675040): "At the target, A/C #232 was hit by bombs from a B-24 above. The right wing tip was knocked off and the A/C burst into flames. The tail was also knocked off. A/C spiraled down, flaming. No parachutes were seen."
- Statement from 1st Lt Samuel D. Williams (O-524481): "Over the target, the A/C #232 was hit by flak which knocked the right wing off on the inboard engine. Two parachutes were seen to open. The A/C went into a flat spin and burst into flames."
Source of information: Jac Engels, Terry Hirsch, www.abmc.gov, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.findagrave.com, www.fold3.com MACR, WWII Draft Card, 1940 US Census
Photo source: Peter Schouteten