By Direction

of the

President of the United States

the

Distinguished Service Cross

Is Awarded 

to

Richard F. Quinn

(Posthumously)

Rank and Organization:  Specialist Four, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile)

Date and Place:  10 July 1970, Republic of Vietnam

Reason:  For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam:  Specialist Four Quinn distinguished himself while serving as a medical aidman during ground combat operations in Phuoc Long Province.  Specialist Quinn's company had just departed its night defensive position and was advancing down a narrow jungle trail when the allied lead element contacted an enemy force of unknown size.  several allied casualties were sustained in the initial fighting and Specialist Quinn immediately moved forward to treat the casualties.  Ignoring the intense enemy fire that swept the area, he moved from one position to another to treat the wounded allies and assist them to positions of relative safety.  When a series of incoming enemy rockets exploded to Specialist Quinn's front, he immediately went to the aid of two seriously wounded soldiers.  Although exposed in a forward position, the specialist skillfully administered aid to his comrades.  As he prepared to evacuate them to rear positions, he was mortally wounded by the hostile fire.  Specialist Four Quinn's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.