Ralph Ambrose O'Neill | |
---|---|
Nickname(s) | Rodolfo O'Neill (Mexico) The Snake (France) |
Born | Durango, Durango, Mexico | December 7, 1896
Died | October 23, 1980 Redwood City, California | (aged 83)
Allegiance | United States Mexico |
Service/ | United States Army Air Service Mexican Air Force |
Years of service | 1917 - 1919 (USA) 1920 - 1925 (Mexico) |
Rank | USA: Colonel (United States) Mexico: Brigadier General |
Unit | 147th Aero Squadron |
Battles/wars | World War I Adolfo de la Huerta's rebellion (Mexico). |
Awards | Distinguished 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.