AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  RA-5C

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Donald Lee Quinn for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a naval flight officer of jet aircraft while attached to and serving with Reconnaissance Attack Squadron FIVE embarked in USS RANGER (CVA-61). On 27 December 1972, Lieutenant Quinn as the reconnaissance attack navigator of an unarmed RA5C aircraft led a highly successful reconnaissance mission over the heavily defended city of Haiphong, North Vietnam which secured urgently required bomb damage assessment photography in support of LINEBACKER II operations. In the face of heavy anti-aircraft artillery and numerous surface-to-air missiles fired at his aircraft, he continued to operate the complex navigation and reconnaissance systems assuring successful completion of the mission. The outstanding photography gained on his flight revealed bomb damage to the Haiphong complex, and extensive intelligence data for order of battle updates in target development and strike planning. Lieutenant Quinn's undaunted courage and extraordinary professionalism, in the face of grave personal danger reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.