Medal of Honor: Neel Earnest Kearby, World War II, October 11, 1943

Name: Neel Earnest Kearby
Rank: Colonel
War: World War II
Date of Action: October 11, 1943
Unit: 348th Fighter Group, U.S. Army Air Corps
Entered Service At: Dallas, Texas
Born: Wichita Falls, Texas

Summary of Action
The skies above Wewak, New Guinea, were a cauldron of fire and risk in 1943. Colonel Neel Kearby—commanding the 348th Fighter Group and flying his beloved P-47 Thunderbolt, “Fiery Ginger IV”—volunteered to lead a small four-plane reconnaissance flight deep into enemy territory. The mission was simple: observe enemy airfields and return with intelligence. But when Kearby spotted dozens of Japanese bombers and their fighter escorts, the Texan saw opportunity instead of odds.
With his fuel running low and his mission already complete, he gave the signal to attack. Diving from altitude, his P-47 roared into the formation like a lightning strike, guns blazing. Within moments, three enemy planes were down in flames. Seeing one of his men beset by two Zeroes, Kearby turned, destroyed both attackers, then pressed on through a swarm of interceptors. He would down one more before climbing into cloud cover to rally his surviving flight.
When they returned to base, the count stood at six enemy aircraft destroyed—one of the most daring single sorties of the Pacific war. Kearby’s aggressive leadership and audacious flying helped cement the Thunderbolt’s fearsome reputation and made him one of the most decorated fighter commanders of his era.

Medal of Honor Citation
KEARBY, NEEL E. (Air Mission)
Rank and organization: Colonel, U.S. Army Air Corps. Place and date: Near Wewak, New Guinea, 11 October 1943. Entered service at: Dallas, Tex. Birth: Wichita Falls, Tex. G.O. No.: 3, 6 January 1944. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy, Col. Kearby volunteered to lead a flight of 4 fighters to reconnoiter the strongly defended enemy base at Wewak. Having observed enemy installations and reinforcements at 4 airfields, and secured important tactical information, he saw an enemy fighter below him, made a diving attack and shot it down in flames. The small formation then sighted approximately 12 enemy bombers accompanied by 36 fighters. Although his mission had been completed, his fuel was running low, and the numerical odds were 12 to 1, he gave the signal to attack. Diving into the midst of the enemy airplanes he shot down 3 in quick succession. Observing 1 of his comrades with 2 enemy fighters in pursuit, he destroyed both enemy aircraft. The enemy broke off in large numbers to make a multiple attack on his airplane but despite his peril he made one more pass before seeking cloud protection. Coming into the clear, he called his flight together and led them to a friendly base. Col. Kearby brought down 6 enemy aircraft in this action, undertaken with superb daring after his mission was completed.