The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting
The SILVER STAR AWARD to
LCDR John Maye Quarterman Jr., United States Navy
For service as set forth in the following
CITATION

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.

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