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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant, Junior Grade [then Ensign] Norwald R. Quiel (NSN: 0-379181), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron TEN (VFR-10), attached to the U.S.S. INTREPID (CV-11), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Okinawa, on 16 April 1945. Boldly intercepting an outnumbering force of enemy fighter planes which were attacking units of our Task Force, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Quiel fought his plane with great skill and determination, personally blasting four of the hostile aircraft from the sky and assisting materially in breaking up this concentrated enemy attack. Gallantly braving a powerful barrage of antiaircraft fire, sent up from ships in the formation, he unhesitatingly followed one of the hostile planes in its suicide dive, shooting it down before it could crash one of our vessels. By his outstanding courage, expert airmanship and aggressive initiative throughout this fierce action, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Quiel upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade]

    Batallion:

    Fighter Squadron 113 (VF-113)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Philippine Sea (CV-47)

    Action Date:

    August 5 – October 19, 1950
    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 49 (January 13, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade] Norwald R. Quiel (NSN: 0-379181), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Aircraft and as Division Leader in Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED THIRTEEN (VF-113), attached to the U.S.S. PHILIPPINE SEA (CV-47), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 5 August to 19 October 1950. Completing thirty-five missions during this period, Lieutenant Quiel led his division in close air support flights and bombing attacks against enemy airfield installations, lines of communication, transport facilities, bridges, gun positions, shipping and large troop concentrations. By his courage, skilled airmanship and devotion to duty in the face of hostile anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant Quiel materially aided in inflicting extensive damage upon the enemy and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.