26 of His 30 Buddies Die
Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 29, 1942
Mrs. Frank Seeley of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], has received from her bother, Pvt. Delbert McNeil, a slip of paper, which they treasure as a tribute to the gallant spirit shown by American boys, in that first treacherous and bloody assault on Pearl Harbor. Dated "12 December 1941" and signed by Lt. Col. William L. Boyd, commanding officer of the 17th Air Base Group at Hickam Field, T.H. It is addressed to the officers and men of that group and specifically to Pvt. Delbert G. McNeil. Under the notation "Subject commendation," it carries the following message: "You have just experienced what was for practically all of you a first baptism of fire, when we were so treacherously raided on Sunday, 7 December 1941, by units of the Japanese Air Force. Certainly, no troops in the world have ever been placed at more disadvantage than were you on this occasion. With no warning and with very few weapons available, you were attacked vigorously and relentlessly by a determined foe.
"Your actions at that time, and at all times since, has been highly commendable. You fought valiantly against a foe who had superiority in everything but courage. In total disregard of personal safety, you fought back with any weapons you could find. Your coolheaded bravery in the operation of these weapons succeeded in inflicting considerable losses on your attacker. Since the attack you have worked long hours, and have conducted yourselves admirably.
"I commend you most highly for the splendid spirit and high courage you have shown."
Pvt. McNeil with the 23rd Material Squadron at Hickam Field wrote home that 26 our of the 30 men quartered with him were killed when a bomb hit the barracks in which they were sleeping.
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