James Russell McQuade
First Lieutenant, U.S. Army

On 11 June 1972, First Lieutenant James Russell McQuade was serving with Troop F, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Aviation Brigade, in South Vietnam.

On that day, 1LT McQuade was participating in a rescue mission of a downed helicopter crew in an extremely hostile area. 1LT McQuade, knowing that the downed aircraft had received intense automatic small and heavy anti-aircraft fire, volunteered to go into the heavily-infested enemy territory to search for possible survivors. Upon initial entry into the enemy-held terrain, 1LT McQuade reported taking heavy automatic weapons fire from all sides but continued flying towards the crash site. As he proceeded to the area of the downed aircraft, he reported taking further anti-aircraft fire. At about 750 meters from the crash site and completely engulfed in hostile fire, 1LT McQuade reported taking numerous hits and, shortly thereafter, was hit with a missile of unknown type. His aircraft disintegrated in mid-air. 1LT McQuade's concern for the welfare of his fellow soldiers resulted in the loss of his own life. He was well aware of the risks but refused to give up the search. 1LT McQuade's voluntary participation in a desperately dangerous mission demonstrated extraordinary heroism and earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Distinguished Flying Cross
Purple Heart
Air Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal
Army Aviator Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) James Russell McQuade, United States Army (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Troop F, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Aviation Brigade. First Lieutenant McQuade distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 11 June 1972 while serving in support of the 1st Army of the Republic of Vietnam Division in the Thua Thien Province, Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant McQuade was participating in a rescue mission of a downed helicopter crew in an extremely hostile area. Lieutenant McQuade, knowing that the downed aircraft had received intense automatic small and heavy anti-aircraft fire, volunteered to go into the heavily infested enemy territory to search for possible survivors. Upon initial entry into the enemy held terrain, Lieutenant McQuade reported taking heavy automatic weapons fire from all sides. With complete disregard for his own safety, he continued flying towards the crash site. As he proceeded to the area of the downed aircraft, he reported taking further anti-aircraft fire. At approximately 750 meters from the crash site and completely engulfed in hostile fire, Lieutenant McQuade reported taking numerous hits and, shortly thereafter, was hit with a missile of unknown type. His aircraft disintegrated in mid-air. Lieutenant McQuade's unselfish concern for the welfare of his fellow soldiers resulted in the loss of his own life. He was well aware of the risks involved but refused to give up the search in the face of the fanatical enemy resistance. Lieutenant McQuade's voluntary participation in a desperately dangerous mission demonstrated extraordinary heroism in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Department of the Army, General Orders No. 56 (December 31, 1974)

Honors

The name James R McQuade is located on Panel 1W Line 40 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.

Burial

First Lieutenant James Russell McQuade was listed as Missing in Action following the engagement that earned him the Distinguished Service Cross. His remains were recovered on 7 October 1994 and repatriated to the U.S. They were identified in November 1999. Group remains were interred at Arlington National Cemetery on 5 May 2000.