The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Major Querin E. Herlik (ASN: 0-84084), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during the period 4 May 1966 to 13 March 1968, while serving as Chief, Liberty Army Airfield Operations, Department of Airfield Support, United States Army Aviation School Element, Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia. Major Herlik assumed his responsibilities a the initial activation of fixed wing training at Fort Stewart, Georgia. He was faced with the complete organization and staffing Liberty Army Airfield. This monumental task was performed under extreme pressure due to the urgency of completion and the high priority to train Army aviators for duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Through his ability as a military planner and by dedicating his total self, he accomplished all parts of his mission in a most exceptional manner. With keen perception and professional competence, he planned and executed the requirements to support the varying training needs of the civilian components during the summer months of 1966 and 1967. Major Herlik by exceptional diligence established and placed in operation Evans Army Heliport in an exemplary and timely manner. In all instances, he displayed professional ability, devotion to duty, and loyalty far above that normally expected. Major Herlik’s decisive judgment and competent leadership were a source of inspiration to associates and contributed significantly to the accomplishments of the mission of this command. Major Herlik’s exemplary performance of duty reflects great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Army.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Bronze Star Medal
-
Bronze Star Medal
-
Prisoner of War Medal
-
Silver Star
-
Bronze Star Medal
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Captain (Field Artillery) Querin E. Herlik (ASN: 0-84084), United States Army, for outstandingly meritorious service in connection with military operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam om 1964. He consistently manifested exemplary professionalism and initiative in obtaining outstanding results. His rapid assessment and solution of numerous problems inherent in a combat environment greatly enhanced the allied effectiveness against a determined and aggressive enemy. Despite many adversities, he invariably performed his duties in a resolute and efficient manner. Energetically applying his sound judgment and extensive knowledge, he has contributed materially to the successful accomplishment of the United States mission in the Republic of Vietnam. His loyalty, diligence and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
-
Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Field Artillery)Action Date:
February 12, 1969 – March 11, 1969
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal to Lieutenant Colonel (Field Artillery) Querin E. Herlik (ASN: 0-84084), United States Army, for outstandingly meritorious service in connection with military operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. He consistently manifested exemplary professionalism and initiative in obtaining outstanding results. His rapid assessment and solution of numerous problems inherent in a combat environment greatly enhanced the allied effectiveness against a determined and aggressive enemy. Despite many adversities, he invariably performed his duties in a resolute and efficient manner. Energetically applying his sound judgment and extensive knowledge, he has contributed materially to the successful accomplishment of the United States mission in the Republic of Vietnam. His loyalty, diligence and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
-
Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Field Artillery)Division:
Prisoner of War (Cambodia)Action Date:
February 12, 1969 – March 11, 1969
Lieutenant Colonel (Field Artillery) Querin E. Herlik (ASN: 0-84084), United States Army, was held as a Prisoner of War in Cambodia from February 12, 1969 until his release on March 11, 1969.
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Field Artillery), [then Major]Action Date:
February 12 – 19, 1969
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 50 (September 8, 1970)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 Lieutenant Colonel (Field Artillery), [then Major] Querin E. Herlik (ASN: 0-84084), United States Army, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life while serving with the 146th Aviation Company, in the Republic of Vietnam, on 12 February 1969, and during the ensuing period of captivity that ended on 19 February 1969. On 12 February 1969, while serving on a classified airborne mission over the Republic of Vietnam, the plane in which Colonel Herlik was Pilot came under hostile fire and was forced to land in hostile territory. Colonel Herlik, knowing the potential loss to the United States effort in Vietnam if the enemy came into possession of the aircraft, took up a defensive position near the aircraft. In the ensuing intense fire fight, Colonel Herlik took a determined stand with a small caliber weapon. He and his fellow crew members fought valiantly until they were sure that the sensitive aircraft had been destroyed. After the aircraft’s destruction, they continued to fire at the enemy in hope that the numerically superior force could be held at bay until rescue attempts could be undertaken. Finally, out of ammunition, Colonel Herlik and his fellow crew members were captured. Colonel Herlik, after capture, resisted all interrogation concerning his mission or activities aboard the aircraft. By his courageous action and humanitarian regard for his fellow man, in the dedication of his service to his country, Colonel Herlik has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Army.