John Quarterman graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1961. He retired as a U.S. Navy Captain.
Sponsored by:
John
Maye
Quarterman
Jr.
1939-06-05
–
Home:
Brunswick
,
Georgia
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant John Maye Quarterman, Jr., United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong aggressors in the Republic of Vietnam on 3 November 1969. Acting as wing aircraft commander, Lieutenant Quarterman was involved in a scramble mission to support a group of SEALs who were in contact and pinned down by an enemy force. While en route a situation report revealed that the SEALs were being pursued from the east by a platoon-size Viet Cong element, the escape route to the west was blocked off by additional enemy forces and a Kit Carson Scout had been wounded and required immediate MEDEVAC. The lead SEAWOLF gun ship made the MEDEVAC and later the entire extraction by making three blacked out approaches. Lieutenant Quarterman provided intensive cover fire for the vulnerable lead helicopter which safely extracted 13 SEALs whose situation was very critical before the SEAWOLVES arrived. Later that day, Lieutenant Quarterman was involved in a cover mission for a group of SEALs who had uncovered a large medical cache. In attempting to sling load a sizeable quantity of the valuable medical supplies out of the area, the Army insertion helicopter was taken under fire. The SEAWOLVES suppressed the fire and called another Army aircraft into the area. An extraction attempt by helicopter was thwarted by enemy fire which necessitated fixed wing air strikes. Acting as on-scene commander, Lieutenant Quarterman skillfully and successfully coordinated all air assets. After the strikes were complete, another helicopter extraction was attempted, however, a storm engulfed the entire area. Blinding rain, low ceilings, marginal visibility with darkness prevailing, and no illumination devices made immediate pickup necessary. Flying low level and at all times under actual instrument conditions, the SEAWOLVES escorted the Army aircraft into the landing zone and provided cover and suppressive fire. Lieutenant Quarterman, aboard the lead SEAWOLF gun ship, successfully extracted the remaining five SEALs. His expert airmanship, courage under fire and exemplary professionalism were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Captain John Maye Quarterman, Jr., United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as the Head, Navy Command Center and Director of the Fleet Operations and Readiness Division of the Staff of the Chief of Naval Operations from May 1988 through May 1990. Captain Quarterman served with distinction in these positions of significant responsibility and particular sensitivity. He made major contributions to a wide range of Navy policies, directives, and programs including fleet operations, readiness, joint deployment management in crisis and exercises, and navy counter narcotics operations. Captain Quarterman created major improvements in the modernization and performance of the Navy Command Center from survivability and effectiveness of linking strategic communication circuits to equipment used to keep the Secretary of the Navy and the Chief of Naval Operations appraised daily of readiness, employment, and threat matters. By his professional accomplishments, steadfast perseverance, and unwavering devotion to duty, Captain Quarterman reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain John Maye Quarterman, Jr., United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Amphibious Squadron FOUR from October 1986 to March 1988. Captain Quarterman’s superior performance was highlighted throughout his tour by the aggressive, innovative, and professional manner in which he exercised tactical command of all forces assigned to him. He was responsible for two wintertime trans-Atlantic transits of Amphibious Task Groups and the preparation, training, and employment of MARG 2-87, a singularly outstanding Amphibious Task Force. His ships conducted five bilateral/North Atlantic Treaty Organization amphibious exercises, a highly successful joint exercise and contingency operations in the vicinity of Beirut, Lebanon. Throughout these operations, his aggressive efforts and total devotion to excellence contributed immensely to the warfighting capabilities of the ships assigned and to the reputation of the United States Navy. Captain Quarterman’s dynamic leadership, expert judgment, and inspiring devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderBatallion:
Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadron 3Regiment:
Detachment 1Action Date:
April 1, 1970
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander John Maye Quarterman, Jr., United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in aerial flight while serving as leader of a UH-1B helicopter fire team attached to and serving with Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadron THREE, Detachment ONE. On the morning of 1 April 1970, Lieutenant Commander Quarterman’s light helicopter fire team departed Nam Can to escort an insertion of seven SEALs and four Kit Carson Scouts by Army helicopter. On touchdown the Army helicopter received small arms and automatic weapons fire from close range. Lieutenant Commander Quarterman heard gunfire and observed that the SEALs were in grave danger in the open field. He suppressed fire allowing the SEALs to find cover. Meanwhile the Army helicopter was attempting to lift out of the kill zone, sustained a hit and was forced to land a short distance away. Although under the intense enemy ground fire, he called for additional air assets, directed the SEALs to break contact under his cover and set up a perimeter around the downed aircraft. He continued to place suppressive fire while directing two fire teams which arrived. He held off the enemy and protected the rescue helicopters as they lifted out the downed helicopter crew and the ground troops. He then ordered his fire team in for the extraction of the remainder of the SEALs. As he pulled into a hover, enemy troops were twenty-five meters away. While his gunners were suppressing the enemy fire, he flew his heavily laden aircraft through a tree line. Lieutenant Commander Quarterman’s heroic actions in the face of insurmountable enemy opposition saved the SEAL team, the downed aircraft and crew. His devotion to duty, courage under fire and exemplary professionalism were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.