Ralph Ambrose O'Neill

Ralph Ambrose O'Neill
Ralph Ambrose O'Neill.
Nickname(s)Rodolfo O'Neill (Mexico)
The Snake (France)
Born(1896-12-07)December 7, 1896
Durango, Durango, Mexico
DiedOctober 23, 1980(1980-10-23) (aged 83)
Redwood City, California
Allegiance United States
 Mexico
Service/branchUnited States Army Air Service
Mexican Air Force
Years of service1917 - 1919 (USA)
1920 - 1925 (Mexico)
RankUSA: Colonel (United States)
Mexico: Brigadier General
Unit147th Aero Squadron
Battles/wars World War I
Adolfo de la Huerta's rebellion (Mexico).
AwardsDistinguished Service Cross with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Distinguished Flying Cross (United States), and French Croix de Guerre.

Ralph Ambrose O'Neill (December 7, 1896 – October 23, 1980) was a Mexican flying ace from World War I credited with 103 combat patrols and five aerial victories. He was the first "Chief" Commander of the modern Mexican Air Force. He was also a pioneer of commercial aviation.