HAVERHILL, MA, USA U.S. Army PFC, COMPANY A, 1ST BATTALION, 87TH INFANTRY REGIMENT, FORT DRUM, NY 13602 SALERNO, AFGHANISTAN 09/29/2003
PFC O’Neill attended Haverhill elementary school and graduated from Whittier Vocational Technical School in Haverhill in 2002. While at Whittier, he was very active with the local Army recruiting office and was even called “Private O’Neill” before officially being old enough to join the Army.
O’Neill majored in automotive repair and was on the United Nations Debating Team. Family members said he received numerous academic and other activity awards. He was known as a strong and forceful competitor.
O’Neill followed his dream of becoming a third-generation Army soldier. He graduated from Army Infantry Basic Training at Fort Benning, Ga., and he successfully completed Army Jump School, earning his “Silver Wings.”
He has received several military awards including the National Defense Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, Expert with the M16 Riffle Qualifier and O’Neill was particularly proud to earn the Expert Infantryman Badge, as only 10 percent of all applicants accomplish this, and a soldier must first be recommended before attempting to achieve this level.
He also received the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star with “V” Device for Valor. Evan lived his life in accordance to the motto of the 1st Battalion 87th Infantry Regiment, “To the Top – All The Way.”
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