Neel was an aviator in World War I who received the Distinguished Service Cross, the second highest medal awarded by the U.S. for wartime service. He also received the Croix de Guerre. Among other dangerous duties, Neel flew over enemy territory to assess and photograph damage done after U.S. raids. During this war, in-air combat was waged with shot guns and rifles. Credit for shooting down a plane was not given unless the act was witnessed by two or more neutral observers. , France’s highest award.
(1894-1982) (Section 4, lot O, row A)
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