On This Day, 31-JUL 1967, We Honor a Fallen Hero
LeRoy O’Neal was born on 31-OCT 1946. He lived in St. Charles, MO and attended St. Charles High School graduating in 1964. His parents were Rev. Walter Leon O’Neal (1923–2014) and Mrs. Colista Maxcine Evans 1926–2002. The family lived at 535 Booneslick Road. He had one sister; Glenda and two brothers; Wayne and John O’Neal. His brother John served in the Air Force.
LeRoy enlisted in the Army in 1964 serving during the Vietnam War. Leroy served with 101st Airborne Division, 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry, Headquarters Company. His occupational specialty was Field Communications Electronics Equipment Mechanic. He began his tour on 17-AUG 1966 when he was 19 years old. He was in Vietnam eleven and a half months.
O’Neal experienced a traumatic event which resulted in loss of life on 31-JUL 1967. Recorded circumstances attributed to: “Died through hostile action”. Incident location: South Vietnam, Quang Ngai province. The after action reports says, “Individual died of gunshot wounds received while at an ambush site, hit by friendly fire.” The Casualty Data classifies his death a Misadventure (Friendly Fire). He was 20 years old.
His medals and awards include:
- Purple Heart
- National Defense Medal
- Vietnam Service Medal
- Vietnam Campaign Medal
- Combat Infantryman Badge
- Parachutist Badge
He received a posthumous promotion to Sergeant E-5.
Leroy O’Neal is buried at St Charles Memorial Gardens, St Charles, MO. Leroy is honored on the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial in Washington DC. His name inscribed at VVM Wall, Panel 24e, Line 56. Awarded Purple Heart.
Leroy O’Neal is honored and remembered at the St. Charles County Veterans Museum.
