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Quirk, Michael Joseph

Date of birth:
January 29th, 1920 (Port Henry/New York, United States)
Date of death:
January 5th, 2006
Service number:
0-790712
Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

Promotions:
3 July 1942: Sergeant
22 July 1943: Lieutenant
6 February 1944: Captain
17 September 1944: Major
?: Lieutenant Colonel
?: Colonel

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Captain
Unit:
62nd Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, 8th Air Force, U.S. Army Air Forces
Awarded on:
1944
"For gallantry in action against the enemy as a P-47 Fighter Pilot of the 62d Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army Air Forces."
Silver Star Medal (SSM)
"For extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a P-47 Fighter Pilot of the 62d Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States."

Second DFC received as Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Captain
Unit:
62nd Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, 8th Air Force, U.S. Army Air Forces
Awarded on:
1944

Third DFC received as second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Captain
Unit:
62nd Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, 8th Air Force, U.S. Army Air Forces
Awarded on:
1944

Fourth DFC received as third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
Period:
Vietnam War (1955-1975)
Rank:
Colonel
"For extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Southeast Asia. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States."

Fifth DFC received as fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Captain
Unit:
62nd Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, 8th Air Force, U.S. Army Air Forces
"Captain (Air Corps) Michael Joseph Quirk (ASN: 0-790712), United States Army Air Forces, was shot down and captured by German forces on 10 September 1944, and was held as a Prisoner of War until his return to U.S. Military Control in March 1945."
Prisoner of War Medal
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Air Medal (AM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Air Medal (AM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Air Medal (AM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

Silver Oak Leaf Cluster
Air Medal (AM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Air Medal (AM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Air Medal (AM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Air Medal (AM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Air Medal (AM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

Silver Oak Leaf Cluster
Air Medal (AM)

Sources