In May of 1941 John O'Neil and James "Fitzy" Fitzgerald both of Malden, Mass joined the service together. Fitzy ended up in the U.S. Infantry and John ended up in the U.S. Army Air Force. Both would become combat veterans and serve their country with distinction. Fitzy would see action in Europe and in the Battle of the Buldge, John over the skies of war torn Europe in a B-17.