The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Charles B. McQuoid, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force in Southeast Asia on 2 June 1972. On that date, Sergeant McQuoid, a Pararescue Recovery Specialist on an HH-53C rescue helicopter, voluntarily penetrated an extremely hostile and heavily defended area of North Vietnam to effect the rescue of a downed American airman. At great risk to his own life, he willingly manned his exposed minigun position to suppress the intense ground fire being directed at his vulnerable aircraft. Sergeant McQuoid’s professional performance under very adverse conditions was instrumental in the successful recovery of the airman. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant McQuoid has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Sergeant Charles B. McQuoid, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force in Southeast Asia on 26 August 1972. On that date, Sergeant McQuoid, a Pararescue Specialist on an HH-53C Rescue Helicopter with full knowledge that a previous recovery attempt had been met with intense automatic weapons fire, courageously volunteered to continue the rescue mission of a downed American airman. For over fifteen minutes, he stood in the open and unprotected doorway while operating his minigun to suppress the intense ground fire being directed at his helicopter as it hovered within meters of the North Vietnamese gunners. His willingness to risk his own life enabled his crew to successfully recover the downed airman. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant McQuoid has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.