Medal of Honor Day provided Arlington an opportunity to celebrate one of our hometown heroes—Col. Neel E. Kearby (1911–1944), a recipient of the prestigious medal as a fighter pilot in WWII—with a new display at Arlington’s City Hall.
Neel Kearby Honored at City Hall
The brief ceremony inside City Hall dedicated a display honoring Kearby’s achievements and distinguished military career. The display includes replicas of the medals he received, the Medal of Honor citation text, and a biographical summary of his life. Attended by elected officials, city employees, members of the Arlington Historical Society, and residents, the intimate gathering celebrated a well-admired hometown hero. Mayor Jim Ross provided remarks, as did Lieutenant Colonel Greg LeClair, UTA professor of Military Science.
The ceremony was a poignant moment of reflection and recognition, celebrating Arlington’s pride in being home to the National Medal of Honor Museum. It also recognized research efforts led by Richard Aghamalian, Wanda Marshall, and others, who have been instrumental in honoring Arlington’s military heroes.
Display at City Hall honoring Medal of Honor recipient Col. Neel E. Kearby
Born in Wichita Falls, Kearby graduated from Arlington High School and attended North Texas Agricultural College (now UTA). In October 1943, the WWII pilot completed a daring mission over New Guinea, scoring six aerial victories and leading his formation to safety despite being heavily outnumbered. He was later awarded the Medal of Honor for his valiancy. Kearby’s distinguished service also earned him two Silver Stars, four Distinguished Flying Crosses, five Air Medals, and a Purple Heart. As one of the most decorated fighter pilots of WWII, he achieved a total of 22 aerial victories.
Kearby was tragically killed in action on March 5, 1944. He was later buried in Dallas in 1949.
In addition to the new display inside City Hall, Arlington honors Col. Neel E. Kearby with a Texas Historical Marker and a life-sized bronze statue (both located outside City Hall), as well as a theater named in his honor at the National Medal of Honor Museum.
Arlington’s Most Decorated Hero
Ceremony’s Program, with Medal of Honor citation on reverse side
Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor Day is observed annually on March 25, marking the anniversary of when the medal was first awarded in 1863. The Medal of Honor is awarded to those who display conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty. Though over 40 million people have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, fewer than 4,000 individuals have received this honor.
National Medal of Honor Museum
The National Medal of Honor Museum opened in Arlington’s Entertainment District on March 25, 2025. Since then, it has welcomed over 75,000 guests, including nearly 100 school field trips. In January, it was named USA TODAY’s Best New Museum in America. At its core, the museum is a biographical narrative; visitors journey through recipients’ experiences via exhibits featuring photos, historical documents, and personal effects, all set within the larger context of their lives.
Blog post by Jason S. Sullivan, 03-25-26
Jason S. Sullivan 