Harold Loyd McNeil
First Lieutenant, U.S. Army

On 12 August 1964, First Lieutenant Harold Loyd McNeil was serving with the Utility Tactical Transport (UTT) Helicopter Company, in South Vietnam.

On that day, 1LT McNeil was pilot of a HU-1B helicopter 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, 1LT McNeil flew his helicopter into the combat zone to provide cover for the stricken aircraft. As he 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 grabbed them, ignoring his 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 that silenced a hostile machine gun. His courageous action prevented the destruction of 2 helicopters and saved the lives of 7 men at the sacrifice of his own. First Lieutenant McNeil's extraordinary heroism earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart
Air Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal
Army Aviator Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation

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.

General Orders: Department of the Army, General Orders No. 40 (December 11, 1964)

Honors

The name Harold L McNeil is located on Panel 1E Line 61 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.

Burial

First Lieutenant Harold Loyd McNeil is buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Mount Pleasant, Titus County, TX.