Merrick’s Memorial Day 2019 Grand Marshal, James W. O'Neill

James W. O'Neill

Jim was drafted into the United States Army on February 15, 1966 at the age of 19. He received specialized training as a Combat Engineer at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri and was shipped overseas to Vietnam in July of 1966. He landed in Saigon, South Vietnam and was assigned to the 588th Engineer Battalion. His main duties involved setting up base camps, clearing personnel, claymore, and anti-Tank mines, and explosives. He was involved in building hospitals, mess halls, and living facilities for the troops.

Jim was involved in several military operations to rescue troops who were in jeopardy of being overrun by the enemy. This was done by building and repairing roads, bridges, and airstrips so the troops could advance their positions.

Jim’s platoon received two, unit citations for rescuing the infantry units of the 101st Airborne who were trapped deep in enemy territory.

Jim received the Army Commendation Medal for bravery, when his lieutenant was wounded by gunfire. Although Jim was told to stand fast until enemy fire was pinpointed and destroyed, he picked up his wounded lieutenant and carried him to a waiting ambulance. His lieutenant was saved by Jim’s quick thinking and bravery while under fire. His lieutenant who hailed from Suffolk County, New York returned back to duty after two months, after he recuperated in a military hospital in Japan. The other soldier, who was also wounded and put in the same ambulance, died of his wounds upon arrival at the hospital. Jim said the inside of the ambulance had so much blood; it looked like the inside of a butcher shop.

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One Less American Flag flies

The following correspondence is a letter written by 2nd Vice Commander Frank D. Pedagno to the New York State Department of Parks & Recreation, Long Island State Park Region, concerning the Jones Beach Air Show for 2019. Courtesy of 2nd Vice Commander Frank D. Pedagno.

New York State Department of Parks and Recreation
Long Island State Park Region
Permit Office
P.O. Box 247
Babylon, N.Y. 11702-0247
Re: Permit # 19-0287

Dear Sir,

We request a refund for the $50 fee; paid by the Merrick Post No. 1282, American Legion, for Permit #: 19-0287.

For the past four years, Merrick Post No. 1282, American Legion, has attended the Memorial Day air show at Jones Beach and distributed American Flags free of charge to attendees at the show.  We do this to promote Patriotism and Americanism.  Our organization always set up a small tent; table and chairs from with to distribute American flags.  We usually distribute about 1500 flags at this event.

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Brief Biography of Post Member, John F. Murphy

John F. Murphy

John Francis Murphy (Past Commander) was born on April 16, 1930 in Jersey City, New Jersey. He was raised in Brooklyn, New York and attended high school in Brooklyn Prep. He lived in Brooklyn until he moved to North Merrick in 1959. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Physics from Hofstra University. He was employed by Hazeltine Corporation for about 38 years.

John was in the Air Force from 1951 to 1954. When he joined the Air Force as a young man, he trained and worked with the Radio/Radar Unit. He served during the Korean War and was transferred to French Morocco where he put his Radio/Radar training to good use. When he came back to the United States he was stationed at various bases including Washington, DC. The last base he was at was Wright Patterson Air Force base in Dayton, OH where he was until he was discharged from the service.

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