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.
