THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

QUINN, Peter

211377, Staff Sergeant, Royal New Zealand Army Medical Corps - New Zealand Services Medical Team.

CITATION

British Empire Medal

Awarded NZG Number 37 dated 26 June 1969

SSgt Quinn joined the New Zealand Army in December 1958 having previously served with the British Army including two years’ service in Korea. Throughout his service with the New Zealand Army he has displayed outstanding ability both as a Medical Corpsman and as an Instructor.  SSgt Quinn has had very wide medical experience including active service as NCO in Charge of forward medical units in Borneo and Malaya in 1965.  During his recent TOD in Vietnam with the New Zealand Medical Services Team he again displayed his constant devotion to duty during an attack by the enemy on his compound in Phuoc Nye Village. SSgt Quinn manned a heavy automatic weapon and held an isolated point on the perimeter during numerous attacks by the enemy. Only after the attack had been repulsed did he consider moving back to safety. In the same village he was the driving force behind the construction of a new twenty bed ward and a maternity wing, two units which at that time were desperately needed.  At the age of 37 SSgt Quinn is very highly respected for his physical fitness and has added esteem to the RNZAMC by becoming the first Medical Corps Soldier to qualify as a Parachutist. The dedication of this soldier has over the years made an important and note worthy contribution to the work of the RNZAMC. He is currently employed as a Senior Instructor at the RNZAMC Depot Burnham Camp.  Because of his skill, understanding and proficiency the School twice extended his tour of duty. His long hours of arduous duty assisted in no small measure to the high standard of operational efficiency of the battalions involved.

KNOWN AWARDS

British Empire Medal (Military)

Queen's Korea Medal

United Nations Medal

Korea

Queen's Vietnam Medal

Vietnam Star

1960

Public Health Service Medal 2nd Class (SVN)

NOTES

Born 21 April 1931

Died 24 November 1973 Burnham, New Zealand

Buried Waimaire Cemetery, Christchurch, New Zealand