George Quamo was missing in action following a helicopter air crash near Laos on April 14, 1968. His remains were recovered, identified, and buried at Arlington National Cemetery six years after his loss.
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George Quamo was missing in action following a helicopter air crash near Laos on April 14, 1968. His remains were recovered, identified, and buried at Arlington National Cemetery six years after his loss.
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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] George Quamo (ASN: 0-5307391), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations in the Republic of Vietnam, on 27 March 1963, while serving as Assistant Battalion Advisor to the 3d Battalion, 33d Regiment, 21st Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. On 27 March 1963, during the 21st Infantry Division Operation DUC THANG 8/42, Captain Quamo accompanied the lead left company in which was part of the Battalion Task Force attacking south to close with and destroy the Viet Cong. The Viet Cong had been forced into a holding position by the attacking 3d Battalion, plus Division forces that were blocking and/or attacking from the west and south. Forced to hold, the two Viet Cong Battalions, plus a new and partially reorganized Battalion, attempted to draw the 3d Battalion into the area and then encircle and destroy it. Closing into the area, the 2d Company, which Captain Quamo accompanied, was pinned down by heavy enemy fire. The 2d Company placed a .30 Caliber machine gun into a forward firing position which gave supporting fires for all of the maneuvering companies. This was the only forward employed machine gun and Captain Quamo observed that the gun was out of operation despite the efforts of the gun crew. Realizing this would leave the company without supporting fires and would jeopardize the maneuvering of the other two companies, Captain Quamo, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, moved through heavy enemy fire to the forward machine gun and remedied the machine gun failure, putting it back into action. Later, when the companies were ordered to attack, the Company Commander was hesitant in making a bold move forward against heavy enemy fire, whereupon Captain Quamo persuaded him to rally the 2d Company. The Company Commander was inspired by his courage and moved the company rapidly forward. Captain Quamo’s sound knowledge of military tactics and weapons, his heroic and quick actions and his steadfast advisory efforts during this engagement while the Battalion was under constant heavy fire for four hours won for him and the United States advisory effort very favorable recognition through Vietnamese channels. Captain Quamo’s action reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army and is in keeping with the highest traditions of military service.
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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Major (Infantry) George Quamo (ASN: 0-5307391), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Command and Control (North), FOB 3 (Khe Sanh), 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, in the Republic of Vietnam. When the Lang Vei Special Forces Camp was overrun on 7 February 1968 by nine P79 Russian tanks and an estimated two battalions of North Vietnamese, Major Quamo immediately set about organizing a relief force, which, he moved to Old Lang Vei Camp where the wounded survivors had withdrawn. Upon arrival at Old Lang Vei, which by this time was under attack, Major Quamo personally supervised the loading and extraction of the Lang Vei survivors, constantly exposing himself to deadly accurate enemy mortar and small arms fire. When it became apparent that his relief force was surrounded with no hope of extraction from that location, Major Quamo immediately set about dividing his force in half while continually exposing himself to a tremendous volume of enemy fire to bring in friendly air strikes. Under the firm hand and cool courage of Major Quamo, half of the group delivered such a withering and intense volume of fire that the enemy was unable to prevent the breakout. When the breakouts force became pinned down en route to the landing zone, Major Quamo personally maneuvered his group against the superior enemy force, driving them from their positions, allowing his personnel to reach the landing zone. Major Quamo personally supervised the extraction of his men while constantly exposing himself to enemy fire from all sides to call in friendly air strikes. He was the last person to leave the landing zone. Major Quamo’s intense dedication to his men, his coolness in battle, and his extraordinary courage are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.