James Quinn flew 247 combat missions in Vietnam through an exchange program with the U.S. Air Force. During one mission, when attacked by an enemy MiG, he made low-level evasive maneuvers to evade the enemy aircraft that had already shot down one other American helicopter. During his evasion, the MiG misjudged his own maneuvers and crashed into a mountainside. Lieutenant Quinn was credited with the destruction of one enemy aircraft in the Vietnam War.
Sponsored by:
James
Casey
Quinn
February 1, 1931
–
Born:
Sparta
,
Wisconsin
Home:
Sparta
,
Wisconsin
Awards Received
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Air Force Award) to Lieutenant James Casey Quinn, United States Coast Guard, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an Airborne Mission Commander aboard an HC-130P aircraft over hostile territory in Southeast Asia on 27 December 1969. On that date. Lieutenant Quinn organized and directed a combat rescue mission to recover two downed aircrew members from an extremely hostile area. His outstanding performance and extensive knowledge of combat rescue procedures contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission and the saving of two survivors from certain capture and possible death at the hands of hostile forces. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Quinn reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.