Sam Jones McNeill

These awards are based on the information below and per applicable DoD Directives and Awards Manuals:
Purple Heart Awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the U.S. Armed Forces, after April 5, 1917, has been wounded, killed, or who has died or may hereafter die of wounds received in action against an enemy of the United States.
American Campaign Service Medal Awarded for military service within the American Theater between December 7, 1941 and March 2, 1946.
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal Awarded for military service for service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater between December 7, 1941 and November 8, 1945.
World War II Victory Medal Awarded for military service between December 7, 1941 and December 31, 1946, both dates inclusive.

Documents, Forms and Resources Found:
Yes  Alabama Newspaper Obit, Notice, or Report
Yes  Application For Headstone or Marker, OQMG Form 623
No Eyewitness Statement or Report
Yes  Grave Marker Photo(s), Find A Grave
Yes  National Archives Database, Enlistment Records
No Photo of veteran
Yes  WWII Draft Card Data

WWII Draft Card Data
Name: Sam Jones McNeill
Race: White  -  Age: 34  -  Relationship to Draftee: Self
Birth Date: July 24, 1906  -  Birth Place: Camden, Alabama, USA
Residence Place: Camden, Wilcox County, Alabama, USA
Registration Date: Oct 16, 1940  -  Registration Place: Camden, Wilcox County, Alabama, USA
Employer: Sheriff's Office Wilcox County
Weight: 182  -  Complexion: Dark
Eye Color: Blue  -  Hair Color: Black  -  Height: 6' 1"
Next of Kin: Dorothy Moore McNeill
Members of Household: Sam Jones McNeill, Self
Dorothy Virginia Moore McNeill, Wife

Camden - McNeill, Pvt. Sam J.
 The body of Pvt. McNeill, who was killed in action in Europe Nov. 15, 1944, will arrive in Selma (Friday) April 22, (1949). Military funeral services will be held Saturday at 11 o'clock at the Associated Reformed Presbyterian Church at Camden with Rev. R. C. Kennedy officiating. Burial will be in Camden cemetery.
 Prior to entry into the Army Pvt. McNeill was chief deputy sheriff of Wilcox County and a prominent Camden merchant. Camden stores will display flags at half-mast and close during funeral services Saturday. Matthews Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. American Legion and National Guard company of Camden will aid in military rites.
April 21, 1949, Montgomery Advertiser

Note 1: The death location, "Northeastern France" is based on the best information available at this time. In the case of PFC Sam McNeill, this location was not verified by eyewitness statement or official After Action Report. This location was estimated based on:

A. The OQMG FORM 623 Application For Headstone Or Marker documents his assigned unit as Battery B, 231st Field Artillery Battalion, 6th Armored Division, date of birth as July 24, 1906 and date of death on November 15, 1944. The Enlistment date is May 13, 1943, Army Serial No. is 34810748 and applicant signature is Mrs. Evelyn J. McNeill.

B. The location of his unit, the 6th Armored Division, was in Northeastern France during November 1944.

Anyone with a more specific location is welcomed and encouraged to submit an email to: ww2updates@withmilitaryhonors.com.

The following information on this casualty is sourced from The National Archives Database:
 Electronic Army Serial Number Merged File, ca. 1938 - 1946 (Enlistment Records) - See Note 2

 Do you have comments, questions, corrections or updates about PFC Sam McNeill? With Military Honors would like to hear from you. To submit a picture, leave a comment or add any relevant military or family information to honor this veteran, send an email to nick@withmilitaryhonors.com.
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Note 2. Information is sourced from the public domain and may be copied and distributed without permission.