Colonel Neel E. Kearby

October 11, 1943 — Colonel Neel E. Kearby (1911-1944) completed a heroic and daring mission in the skies over New Guinea, scoring six aerials victories and leading his formation to safety, despite being heavily outnumbered. Kearby would receive the Medal of Honor for his actions.

Colonel Neel E. Kearby (1911-1944)

Colonel Kearby, who graduated from Arlington High School and attended North Texas Agricultural College (now UTA), was one of the most decorated fighter pilots in World War II. In addition to the Medal of Honor, he received five Air Medals, four Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Silver Stars, and the Purple Heart for his service.

Arlington honors Colonel Kearby with a Texas Historical Marker, a life-sized bronze statue, and a theater at the National Medal of Honor Museum. Fielder Museum also has a few items displayed as part of our World War II room.

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Colonel Neel E. Kearby—Medal of Honor 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 four fighters to reconnoiter the strongly defended enemy base at Wewak. Having observed enemy installations and reinforcements at four 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 three in quick succession. Observing one of his comrades with two 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 six enemy aircraft in this action, undertaken with superb daring after his mission was completed.

Congressional Medal of Honor Society
www.cmohs.org/recipients/neel-e-kearby

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Blog post by Jason S. Sullivan, 10-11-25