Virgil Neal

Virgil L. Neal (Feb. 23, 1924 – May 30, 1944) was a soldier from Scott County killed in Italy during World War II.

See Also: Scott Countians killed in war

Biography

Born Feb. 23, 1924, in McCreary County, Ky., Virgil L. Neal was the son of James “Benny” Neal (1894-1953) and Narra Williams (1899-1987). His siblings included Ruby L. Phillips (1926-1986), Ethel L. West (1928-2010), Joseph L. Neal (1931-2012), Ernest L. Neal (1933-1986), Roy L. Neal (1941-1990) Emma Neal and Daniel Neal.

The Neal family moved to Scott County during Virgil’s childhood, living in the Norma and Cordell areas before moving to Oneida. Virgil’s father was a veteran of World War I.

World War II

Pvt. Neal enlisted in the U.S. Army on July 13, 1943 at Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. He was killed in action in Italy on May 30, 1944. No further information is available, aside from a newspaper article from July 7, 1944, stating that his parents were told their son was missing, then a week later informed that he was dead.

Aftermath

Pvt. Neal’s body was returned to Scott County in July 1949 for burial at Troxel Cemetery in the High Point community in south Oneida. A funeral service was held July 10, 1949 at High Point United Baptist Church.