Joseph McNeil facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joseph McNeil
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Official U.S. Air Force photo
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| Birth name | Joseph Alfred McNeil |
| Born | March 25, 1942 Wilmington, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Died | September 4, 2025 (aged 83) |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1963–2000 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Unit |  702nd Military Airlift Squadron 22nd Air Force |
| Commands held | 702nd Military Airlift Squadron 22nd Air Force |
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| Awards | Legion of Merit Meritorious Service Medal Air Medal (with 3 oak leaf clusters) Navy Distinguished Service Medal Air Force Commendation Medal Air Force Achievement Medal Combat Readiness Medal National Defense Service Medal Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal Vietnam Service Medal (with silver star) Southwest Asia Service Medal (with bronze star) Humanitarian Service Medal Air Force Longevity Service Award (with 4 oak leaf clusters) Armed Forces Reserve Medal Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal |
| Spouse(s) | Ina (Brown) McNeil |
Joseph Alfred McNeil (March 25, 1942 – September 4, 2025) was a major general in the United States Air Force. He was famous for being one of the Greensboro Four. This group of African American college students took a stand against unfair rules. On February 1, 1960, they sat at a "whites-only" lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina. They challenged the rule that stopped non-white customers from being served. Their brave actions helped start the Civil Rights Movement.
Contents
Joseph McNeil: A Champion for Change
Joseph McNeil was a remarkable person who dedicated his life to fairness and service. He played a key role in changing unfair rules in America. He also had a long and successful career in the United States Air Force.
Early Life and the Fight for Fairness
Joseph McNeil was born on March 25, 1942, in Wilmington, North Carolina. He grew up in Wilmington and was active in his church community. His priest supported equal rights for all people.
Learning and Inspiration
McNeil attended Williston Senior High School. His teachers there taught him a lot about his rights as a citizen. They encouraged students to stand up for what was right. They taught them that knowledge and courage were things no one could take away. These lessons inspired McNeil to make a difference.
After high school, McNeil's family moved to New York City. He then went to North Carolina A&T State University on a scholarship. Life in the southern states was very different from the north. There were many unfair rules that separated people based on their race.
At North Carolina A&T, McNeil met three other freshmen: Ezell Blair Jr., Franklin McCain, and David Richmond. They became known as the Greensboro Four. They lived on the same floor and shared similar ideas about making things better. After seeing some unfair behavior, McNeil and his friends decided they needed to act. He read books about how ideas can change the world.
Many people think McNeil and his friends were inspired by Mahatma Gandhi. McNeil explained that while non-violence was a smart way to protest, his actions were also about strategy. They knew that being peaceful was important to show the world their message clearly. The church was also a very important meeting place for the movement.
McNeil was part of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) at his university. ROTC taught him about leadership and working towards a goal. He learned that to lead, you must also know how to follow. The Greensboro Four relied on other ROTC students for help with planning and meetings. Many people in the community, like ministers, also supported them. They even offered their land to help pay bail if students were arrested for protesting.
The Greensboro Sit-Ins Begin
McNeil often talked with Ralph Johns, a local merchant and NAACP member. Ralph encouraged McNeil to start a protest. Ralph knew that the protest needed to be shared with the public. He contacted the press to make sure everyone knew about the sit-in.
On February 1, 1960, McNeil and his three friends walked to the Woolworth store in downtown Greensboro. They bought some items from a counter where everyone was served. Then, they sat down at the "whites-only" lunch counter. They were refused service. The group stayed until the store closed. They returned the next day.
News of their protest spread quickly. More protests started across North Carolina and other southern cities. Stores began to lose money because of the boycotts. Eventually, store owners started serving all customers, no matter their race. After the sit-ins, McNeil helped create the Student Executive Committee for Justice. This group worked to protest other unfair businesses in Greensboro. McNeil also helped talk with Woolworth's management to find solutions.
In 1963, McNeil earned a degree in engineering physics from North Carolina A&T. He became a second lieutenant in the Air Force ROTC program.
A Career in the Air Force
Serving His Country
In July 1963, Joseph McNeil began his training at James Connally Air Force Base. From 1964 to 1969, he was a navigator on KC-135 planes at Ellsworth Air Force Base. He flew many missions in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. During this time, he was promoted to first lieutenant and then captain.
In 1972, McNeil became a navigator instructor and commander of the 702nd Military Airlift Squadron. This was at McGuire Air Force Base. He also worked as a liaison officer for the United States Air Force Academy. Later, he became a special assistant at the 514th Airlift Wing. He was promoted to major, lieutenant colonel, and colonel.
After leaving active duty in 1969, McNeil continued to serve in the Air Force Reserve. From 1992 to 1995, he was the vice commander and then commander of the 22nd Air Force. This unit was based at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Georgia. He was promoted to brigadier general in 1994. In 1995, he worked at the Air Force Reserve Command Headquarters.
In 2000, Joseph McNeil retired from the Air Force Reserve as a major general. He had been promoted to this rank in 1996. He served for over 37 years and flew more than 6,600 hours. He received the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal when he retired.
Life After Military Service
While serving in the Air Force Reserve, McNeil also had a civilian career. He worked in computer sales for IBM and as a commercial banker for Bankers Trust in New York City. He was also a stockbroker for E.F. Hutton.
Later, McNeil joined the Federal Aviation Administration. He managed different divisions, including the Eastern Region Flight Standards Division. He retired from the Federal Aviation Administration in 2002, after more than 15 years of service.
Honored for His Contributions
Joseph McNeil received four honorary doctorates. These included degrees from his university, North Carolina A&T, St. John's University, the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, and Molloy College.
In 2002, North Carolina A&T created a statue to honor McNeil and the other three members of the Greensboro Four. Their names are also on residence halls at the university. In 2010, McNeil received the James Smithson Bicentennial Medal from the Smithsonian Institution.
His Family and Legacy
Joseph McNeil was married to Ina McNeil. She is a talented Indigenous quilt maker and a descendant of Chief Sitting Bull. They met in South Dakota while working to ensure fair housing for everyone. They married in 1967 and had five children.
Joseph McNeil passed away on September 4, 2025. His life showed how one person's courage can lead to big changes for a whole country. He is remembered for his bravery in the Civil Rights Movement and his dedicated service in the Air Force.
