AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  -

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain William R. Quinn for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a helicopter in Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron 161 during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on the night of 27 September 1951. Participating in a six-plane night air lift engaged in transporting a reinforced company from its reserve position to a combat area. Captain Quinn piloted his helicopter through two hazardous mountain passes, descended into a valley of uncertain terrain and succeeded in safely landing the aircraft, heavily laden with fully equipped troops, in an area which was identified only by two hand signaling wands. Maneuvering his helicopter with precise timing and compass headings to avoid the danger of collision with other planes during the high overcast and darkness which prevailed throughout the flights, he completed seven round trips, thereby contributing materially to the success of the mission. By his skilled airmanship, courage and unswerving devotion to duty, Captain Quinn upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel William R. Quinn for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Commanding Officer of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron One Hundred Sixty-one, Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, in connection with action against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 12 May 1966, Lieutenant Colonel Quinn displayed exceptional fortitude and keen judgment while serving as leader of a flight of 12 UH-34D helicopters assigned to transport troops and ammunition into a hostile landing zone south of Dia Loc where a small friendly unit was under heavy enemy attack. Four helicopters which had landed in the zone previously had been subjected to intense small arms, automatic weapons, and mortar fire, and one had been disabled in the zone. Fully realizing both the existing hazards and the urgency of the mission, Lieutenant Colonel Quinn skillfully directed his flight, delivering reinforcements and ammunition and evacuating battle casualties and the crew of downed aircraft. While preparing for the third wave, he was advised that the zone was under intense mortar attack. Carefully considering the waning daylight and low state of fuel against the dire need for resupply on the ground, Lieutenant Colonel Quinn gallantly elected to attempt another landing despite the warning. Although seven of the 12 aircraft participating in the mission sustained battle damage, they successfully delivered 193 troops and 4,200 pounds of ammunition which enabled the beleaguered ground unit to assume the offensive and neutralize the zone. His exceptional aeronautical skill and bold leadership made possible the subsequent recovery of the downed aircraft and undoubtedly prevented heavy casualties among the Marine platoon which had been under attack. Lieutenant Colonel Quinn's outstanding professional skill, daring initiative, and unfaltering dedication to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.