David F. O'Neill
David Ferguson O'Neill (December 27, 1904 – September 27, 1963) was a decorated Naval aviator and officer in the United States Marine Corps with the rank of major general. A veteran of World War II, he commanded Strike Command, Aircraft Solomons on Guadalcanal, New Britain and Bougainville and received several decorations for his service. O'Neill rose to the general's rank and commanded Force Aviation, Aircraft, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific and later 1st Marine Aircraft Wing in Japan, before he was relieved of command and ordered back to the United States. He retired in July 1958. Early career David F. O'Neill was born on December 27, 1904, in Huntsville, Alabama, as the son of Peter H. O'Neill and Sarah Henderson. He attended the schools in Evansville, Indiana, and Hickory, North Carolina, before returned to Huntsville, where he graduated from the local high school. O'Neill then entered the Marion Military Institute in Marion, Alabama, and studied there until he received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, in June 1923. While at the academy, O'Neill excelled in football and was awarded "N" for excellence in that sport. He was also active in baseball, and basketball and was nicknamed