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Quirk, Brian J.

Date of birth:
1922 (Chicago/Illinois, United States)
Date of death:
May 31st, 2010 (Des Plaines/Illinois, United States)
Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

Servicenumber 336639, United States Marine Corps Reserves.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Corporal
Unit:
3rd Marine Raider Battalion, V Amphibious Corps, U.S. Marine Corps
Awarded on:
July 29th, 1944
Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with the Third Marine Raider Battalion during action against enemy Japanese forces at Empress Augusta Bay, Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 9 November 1943. While his platoon was engaged in the defense of a vital road block near Empress Augusta Bay, Corporal Quirk commanded a squad attacking a series of machine-gun nests which the enemy had established within thirty yards of the Marine block. Although wounded four times in the terrific exchange of fire, he not only refused evacuation but also led his men in a bold assault against one of the key nests, courageously destroying the enemy and enabling his platoon to advance on the others in the area. His grim determination and aggressive fighting spirit, maintained with utter disregard of personal safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

SPOT AWARD: Serial 0055 (SofN Signed July 29, 1944)
Navy Cross
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded for wounds received to his face, Neck and arm during the battle for Bougainville.
Purple Heart
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded for receiving a wound in the leg, during the battles for Guam.

Second Purple Heart received as a golden star for on the rubbon of the first Purple Heart.
Purple Heart

Sources

Photo