The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Francis X. Quinn (MCSN: 0-55941), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as the Commanding Officer of the Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam from 23 to 28 February 1969. Upon learning that a large, well-entrenched North Vietnamese Army force was threatening a sector of his area of responsibility, Lieutenant Colonel Quinn quickly moved to a forward position and launched a full scale offensive. Throughout the ensuing battle, he repeatedly disregarded his own safety to assist his company commanders, coordinating supporting fires, and supervise the evacuation of casualties. Maneuvering his unit with exceptional tactical skill, Lieutenant Colonel Quinn directed the assault against one hostile position after another, until the enemy stronghold was destroyed. Under his dynamic and courageous leadership, his battalion accounted for 137 North Vietnamese soldiers killed and disrupted the enemy’s plan to initiate a major offensive against the DaNang Vital area. By his leadership, extraordinary professionalism and unwavering devotion to duty at great personal risk, Lieutenant Colonel Quinn contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.