COLONEL HAROLD G. McNEESE, was a first lieutenant in the U. S. Army Air Corps when his extraordinary heroism brough him the Distinguished Service Cross. On 13 February 1943, while engaged in a daylight raid on an enemy base in the Solomons Islands area, Lieutenant McNeese piloted his heavy bombardment airplane through heavy antiaircraft fire and opposition from enemy fighters with overwhelming numerical superiority. Before his ship had reached the target it had been hit and severly damaged and the left wing and outboard engine were aflame, but he held to the formation until the bomb release line was reached and all bombs were dropped on the target area. The heat was then so severe that occupants were unable to remain in the rear of the bomber, and the damaged craft and surviving crew were attacked by 12 zero fighters. Lieutenant McNeese headed for open sea to force the assailants to break off the engagement as quickly as possible. One enemy craft was shot down in flames and at least one other was forced to break away, smoking badly, before the fighters discontinued the attack. Lieutenant McNeese then headed for land, but the ship was in such condition that a water landing was unavoidable. Negotiating a successful landing of the badly crippled airplane, Lieutenant McNeese with the survivors, after rowing for 18 hours, landed upon an enemy occupied island. Thereafter he led the crew for 19 days throughout enemy waters. His utter disregard for his own safety and splendid leadership made possible the completion of the bombing run and the return of the surviving crew members to safety.

COL McNeese joined the Legion of Valor in 1970.