Korean War
| Service # | 11162051 |
|---|---|
| Unit | HQ CO 2 BN 9 INF 2 DIV |
| Rank | Sergeant First Class U.S. Army |
| Date of Death | April 21 1953 |
| Status | Missing In Action |
| Memorialized |
Courts of the Missing
Court
6
Honolulu Memorial |
Distinguished Service Cross
Korean Service Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Purple Heart
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
Republic of Korea War Service Medal
United Nations Service Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge
For his leadership and valor, Sergeant First Class O'Connell was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.
Notes
Sergeant First Class O'Connell was a member of Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. On April 21, 1953, he was the observer on a LT-6G Mosquito control aircraft from the 6148th Tactical Air Control Squadron, 6147 Tactical Air Control Group. While on a combat mission, his aircraft received a direct hit by anti-aircraft fire, crashed and burst into flames. His remains were not recovered. His name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial.