Francis X. Quinn

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Francis X. Quinn (0-55941), Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Commanding Officer, 3d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on February 23 – 28, 1969. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Lieutenant Colonel Quinn upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Francis X. Quinn (0-55941), Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Commander of Company D, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 5 – 6 April 1953. Voluntarily leading a patrol in the difficult and extremely hazardous mission of aiding another friendly unit which had been ambushed by the enemy over 2,000 meters forward of the main line of resistance, Second Lieutenant Quinn led his men through intense hostile small-arms and hand-grenade fire and skillfully maneuvered them to a position between the stricken friendly patrol and the enemy. Although painfully wounded during this action, he dauntlessly continued to move among his men, successfully covering the withdrawal of the friendly unit and directing the evacuation of the wounded. Discovering that the ambushed patrol was unable to account for all its members, he reorganized his unit and returned to the point of initial contact where he remained until daylight to make every possible effort to locate the missing men. By his courageous leadership, resolute determination and gallant devotion to duty, Second Lieutenant Quinn served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD: 1st Marine Division, Serial 20739