Major Lester C. O'Neal, MD, US Army . Regimental Surgeon

his page is a tribute to Major Lester C. O'Neal, MD, a native of Andalusia, AL. Major O'Neal was attached to the 1st and 4th Ranger Battalions under the command of Col. William O. Darby, referred to as Darby's Rangers. Major O'Neal was participated in Operation Avalanche, the Allied invasion of Salerno, Italy. On Nov. 7, 1943, Major O'Neal was riding in a staff car with four other officers near Riardo, Italy when they were strafed by German fighters. Major O'Neal was hit in the helmet with a 20 mm shell and killed. He was the only casualty. He was survived by his wife, Louisa Pelham O'Neal and a daughter, Tillie O'Neal [Hamiter].