Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Specialist Fourth Class

    Regiment:

    1st Aviation Brigade

    Action Date:

    February 4, 1968

    Headquarters, 1st Aviation Brigade, General Orders No. 2205 (April 15, 1968)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Specialist Fourth Class Jose L. Quintanilla (ASN: RA-15956500), United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the 189th Aviation Company, 1st Aviation Brigade, in the Republic of Vietnam on 4 February 1968. Specialist Quintanilla distinguished himself while serving as door gunner of an unarmed helicopter performing a dangerous extraction of Infantry troops from a hilltop firebase. The landing zone had been infiltrated by North Vietnamese Army troops who were firing at the helicopters as they landed and took-off. His helicopter began receiving automatic weapons fire as it approached the landing zone. He held his fire until he could clearly distinguish the enemy soldiers. As he took them under fire he was hit by enemy fire which was striking his helicopter all around him. He continued to fire upon the enemy despite his painful wounds and killed two of the enemy soldiers who were firing at his helicopter. His machine gun stopped firing and, without hesitation, he drew out his pistol and fired on the enemy with it, killing a third enemy soldier less than twenty meters from his helicopter. His aircraft commander flew the helicopter out of the landing zone and was able to reach a secure area despite the damage done by enemy fire. Specialist Quintanilla’s perseverance and courage in the face of superior enemy fire was the factor which enabled the crew to escape the hazardous situation. His accurate fire and intense desire to protect his helicopter and his fellow crew members despite his painful and serious wounds were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.