Real American Heroes

Harold L. McNeil’s Distinguished Service Cross

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
AUTHORIZED BY CONGRESS
HAS AWARDED

THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS

TO

FIRST LIEUTENANT HAROLD LOYD MCNEIL, UNITED STATES ARMY

FOR
EXTRAORDINARY HEROISM IN ACTION

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Harold Loyd McNeil (ASN: 0-2305903), United States Army (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on 12 August 1964. As Pilot of a HU-1B helicopter, First Lieutenant McNeil demonstrated decisive leadership, fortitude, and professional skill while participating in a reconnaissance mission into an assault zone in support of a military operation conducted by the armed forces of the Republic of Vietnam. When the lead aircraft of the reconnaissance team was struck by hostile ground fire, Lieutenant McNeil bravely flew his helicopter into the combat zone to provide cover for the stricken aircraft. As he skillfully rolled the nose of his helicopter into firing attitude, an enemy missile penetrated the windshield of the aircraft and lodged in his body. Although the physical reaction caused him to release the controls of the aircraft, he quickly resumed them, completely ignoring his own serious injury. He then instructed the co-pilot to take control of the aircraft while he defended the crew and the friendly forces by firing a pair of rockets which silenced a hostile machine gun. His courage, determination, and valiant efforts prevented the destruction of two aircraft and saved the lives of seven men at the sacrifice of his own. First Lieutenant McNeil’s extraordinary heroic conduct and conspicuous gallantry are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.


Born: 13 November 1933 in Mt. Pleasant, Texas

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