Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

Remembering the servicemembers who died in the service of their country.

Army Sgt. Michael C. O'Neill

22, of Mansfield, Ohio.
O'Neill died in Landstuhl, Germany, of accidental injuries sustained on November 17, 2004 at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, during preparations for combat operations. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Georgia. Died on November 21, 2004.

Please send information, photos, and corrections for Army Sgt. Michael C. O'Neill.

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"Just one of those days that I have a glass and remember Mike O'Neill."
David Cherolis of Miamisburg Ohio

"A few years ago I made an order on ranger joes website for a KIA braclet. I received a bracelet with Michaels name on it. I still wear the braclet to this day. Today is November 21, 2012, Ranger O'Neill you are not forgotten.

Joseph Barlow
2LT, EN"
2LT Joseph Barlow of Ruston, Louisiana

"Mike thinking of you lots lately and remembering all the memories growing up in mansfield...there will always a special place in my heart for you, a true hero. Someday we will meet again my friend XOXO"
Kari of Mansfield

"My husband made it home safe from Afghanistan in Dec 2008. We both bought KIA bracelets to remember the soldiers who didn't make it home. I received SGT O'Neill's bracelet. I wear it everyday and think of him often. God Bless you warrior and may you watch over those you left behind!"
Emily Cameron of Lima, NY

"R.I.P MIKE MISS YOU!!!!!!"
drew williams of mansfield ohio usa

"To the family of:Michael C.O'Neill
I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief and you have my thoughts and prayers. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need prayer or need someone to talk to, please call or write my pastor: Rev. John Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015.
Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew Covington,Ga" 1-2-11"

"Mike, it was a pleasure serving with you; you were one of the best Rangers that I have ever led in combat or elsewhere. You are missed and appreciated. You served your country and your family in the most honorable way possible. Rest in peace Ranger buddy, for you were truly loved. RLTW"
SFC Ritchie of Atlanta, GA

"Remember.
RLTW"
David Cherolis of Miamisburg, Ohio

"Thinking of you this Memorial Day. I miss you."
Nancy of Fayetteville, North Carolina

""Lahm Ruad Derg Erin Abu", Brave Michael RLTW"
MSG O'Neill of Kailua, Hi

"Mike, you are missed and thought of often. My bracelet has never been taken off in order to remember you; and those of us whom were lacky and able to make it back from the Ghan. You were a great leader, good friend and as always loyal to the cause. Rest in peace my Ranger Brother, "One for the Airborne Ranger In the Sky". RTLW"
Bryan Haynie of Portland, OR

"Thank you Sgt. Michael O'Neill I also wear your bracelet proudly & have since March which I have never removed. At this time may I wish your family whom I am sure celebrated your life my sincerest condolences. Though I do not know you personally you are in my heart as your family is in my prayers. You are very much honored by my son & I who also wears a bracelet for another fallen serviceman. My son is currently in ROTC {U. S. Marine Corps} and plans to enlist after graduation in 2011. As the holidays are upon us may God grant your family peace & blessings as I know you are truly loved & missed. Thank you for giving your all young man."
Cindy Carr of Gray, Tennessee

"I never want to forget the sacrifices of so many young men and women. I am so proud it makes me cry. I understand in theory only that war is a part of human nature but so is love and caring. I wish I could take the families pain away but I can't. I am committed to loving ALL people, myself and our environment. I am committed to working on my happiness everyday because so many have died for my freedom to live my life. Thank you is not enough but it is all I have. All my love and respect. ogersteiner@yahoo.com"
Scott Steiner of Gahanna, OH / USA

"As i sit at home waiting for a call from my husband who is in Iraq. I search the computer and Michael's name caught my eye. I am truly sorry for your loss. I read the other comment's and it seems as if he was a loving son and a wonderful brother. I do not know him personally but as I wait I want to thank you so much for his service. He is surely missed and appreciated. I know words cannot describe the pain his family endures but I would like the chance to honor his name and his service."
Ashley G of Cleveland, OH

"Mike, I'll always remember days on the old soccer team at Woodland and all the fun in Mansfield and at Senior High. You are a hero, and you will always be in my heart."
Abby Linne of Los Angeles, CA

"Hello Mike, it's Memorial Day Weekend, and Yes I still remember those blue eyes of yours, to this day I wish I could look into them. I just miss you sooo much!! Till the day we meet again I just want you to know that I Love you and I am missing you."
Nancy Brattpm of Fayetteville, NC

"My name is Kenneth Cookson and I am from Circleville OH. I am also an Army Ranger who wears your bracelet proudly since Nov. 2007. My fiance and me picked out your bracelet together in columbus Ga. before I reported to Sniper school. It was amazing to later find out that you were also from Ohio like us which made it even more special to wear. So its been a while since I have searched your name on the internet and today May 7th 2009 I did and to my surprise today is your 27th birthday. So its an honor to say Happy Birthday Sgt. O'Neill. Again its an honor to still wear your bracelet and we will keep you and your family in our prayers. - "Rangers Lead the Way!"
Kenneth of Dahlonega Ga.

"Mike. I went to school with you. Remember when we went spelunking."
k of Berkeley, CA

"Mike, it was great hanging out in 1st platoon, 3rd Bat. Like I said before, I will never forget all those trips to Biloxi, haha. I still wear the memorial bracelet and haven't ever taken it off. You were an awesome guy. I won't ever forget you."
Ex-Specialist John Heise of 1st Plt, B Co., 3rd Ranger Bat

"Mikey,
Although it was a long time ago that you moved away and our families didn't keep in touch, I have very fond memories of our time as children. Kevin and I had a great time pushing you in the laundry hamper on the skateboard and getting you to eat dog food. I pray for your memory and honor you for your service to our country."
Meagan Wilson (Pulley) of Rohnert Park, CA USA

"November 12, 2007
To the family of Sgt. Michael C. O'Neill:
Michael gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org"
Peggy Childers of Carson City, NV

"Mike, although I do not know you personally, I am honored to wear a bracelet serving as a memorial to your duty for your country. I will wear it with pride and ensure others are aware of your sacrifice. To the family of SGT O'Neill, my condolences for your lost and prayers for your strength."
1LT Daniel Brown of Pinellas Park, FL

"Mike, you were a brother and a best friend. Everyday that passes I miss you more. I miss golfing with you and hanging with the rest of the crew. You will forever have a place in my heart as the ultimate hero. You died for us and we will be sure to live in your honor for the rest of our lives.

With much Love!"
Bret M. Gordon of Mansfield, Ohio

"Michael-
I cannot thank you enough for going and fighting for our country, you are a true hero to me. I was just in Grandmother's cabin in Lake Tahoe this past weekend for the first time since you broke your arm there when you were little, and it felt to me like you were there watching over her. I am truelly blessed having been able to watch you grow up and am proud of the man you turned into. I miss you!!!

Love
Paige Hanker"
Paige Hanker of Stockton, CA

"Mike,
I take this time during Memorial Day weekend to remember you and to say how proud I was of you. I miss you very much even more so when I listen to a military ballad of some sort. I never got the chance to thank you and all of our sons and daughters who are in service to our country. So I'll keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you Mike, my namesake and my nephew."
Your Uncle Mike of Rohnert Park, CA. USA

"Mike,
I take this time during Memorial Day weekend to remember you and to say how proud I was of you. I miss you very much even more so when I listen to a military ballad of some sort. I never got the chance to thank you and all of our sons and daughters who are in service to our country. So I'll keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you Mike, my namesake and my nephew."
Uncle Mike of Rphnert Park, CA. USA

"Michael,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

"Rangers Lead The Way!""

"On this Veterans Day 2005 ( nearly one year later) our family honors Michael.A true American Hero.
RLTW
Fondly,
Joyce, a 3rd Batt. mom from N.J."

"Mike, my soccer and Kentucky Derby-loving Mike....I miss you like no other. I think about you often and will one day have our house on the beach. You lived and died for everything you believed in.....for that I am speechless. I love you and miss you. I will remember you always."
audra of columbus, ga

"Mike - We all miss ya buddy. You and your family are always in our prayers. See you some day . . ."
RangerAngel of Ft Benning GA

"To the family and friends,

Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for your loved ones bravery and sacrifice. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. Your loved one is a hero. Greater love have no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13.

God bless you.

Home Front Ministries
Shepherd of the Hills Church
Porter Ranch, CA""

"Mike everday is Memorial Day when it comes to you son. We wont let them forget."
Allen Vandayburg of Mansfield,Ohio

"I will always miss you Mike, you had the prettiest blue eyes I have ever looked into. Time will pass by, but you will be forever in everyone's heart. You were a good Ranger, and you will never be forgotten. I don't think I will ever get over you. I hope to someday meet again, Till then We all will miss you!!"
Nancy of Fort Benning, GA/ USA

"For Those Who Fought For It, Freedom Has A Taste The Protected Will Never Know

U.S. Army 1970 -1974"
Michael H O'Neill of Maryland

"We Will NEVER FORGET !"
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness, and we are remembering your family in your loss and your deep grief. Your HERO, Michael, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you ALWAYS. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"To the family of Sgt Michael O'Neill: As I was searching for one of my son's (Cpl. Daniel Ross O'Neill, 11th MEU) friends, LCpl Jason Smith, 1st LAR,1st Marine Division, who was KIA, Anbar Province, 11 November 04, I came accross one Sgt. Michael C. O'Neill. When I saw the face and the surname, I stopped immediately. I read the short precis concerning events of 17 November -- my birthday -- involing Michael. Reading all the messages sent to you all, I couldn't help but send my condolences, too. Our family has been spared the loss of a son. We have also been spared the shock, sorrow, and the sting of realization that must have been overpowering; and, then, there's the lingering grief of disconnection that, I'm sure, continues to tug at your heart to this very day. Yes, we've been spared: You see, our son just got home from Iraq, and we are as grateful for his deliverance, as we are profoundly sorry for the loss of your beloved Michael. It's obvious by all the messages sent to this site, on Michael's behalf, that Michael was well loved. So, if you don't mind, even though we've never met, we're going to love him, too.

In the Irish: Dia dhuit, Michael"
The O'Neill Family of Oklahoma City, USA

"To Michael's Family and Friends:

On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincerest condolences. We share the same loss ... the same pain. Our son returned safely from Afghanistan, only to lose his life in Iraq. Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for your soldier's bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
Gloria Caldas (The Big Ern's Mom) of San Antonio, TX
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com"

"I am saddened by his death. Even though I never met him, he has touched me. From what I heard about Mike, he was a great guy, soldier & mentor. He will always be remembered."
another Ranger mom of MD, USA

"There are no words to express the sorrow we feel for your loss. May God bless you and help you through this time."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"Mike you are a hero and was like a son to me. I know that you and A.J. are together and have no more worries but I wish I had you both back. Till we all meet again Mike we all love you. You were a true Ranger."
Allen Vandayburg of Mansfield , Ohio

"Thank you Michael O'Neill, you will not be forgotten. Your bravery goes beyond words. I want to express my deepest gratitude for your sacrifice. To the family and friends, my prayers and deep condolences in your loss. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. God bless you all. A very appreciative fellow American,"
Leo Titus of Grayslake, Illinios

"To the family and friends of Sgt. Michael O'Neill:
May God's grace be with you during your time of grief. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and we feel your loss and share in your sorrow. Bless Michael for the sacrifice he has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada

"To the family and friends of Sgt. Michael O'Neill:
I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. He will always be remembered as a hero for fighting for freedom. I hope that this website will be a source of comfort and encouragement for you during this difficult time, and in the future as you recall the memories of Michael, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia

Honor them by remembering... Freedom - is their gift to us But his soul goes marching on