The  President  of  the   United  States  takes  pride   in  presenting   the AIR MEDAL (Bronze Star for the First Award) to

for service as set forth in the following 

                CITATION:

                               "For  heroic achievement  in  aerial  flight while serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364,  Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing in  connection with combat  operations  against the enemy in  the  Republic  of   Vietnam.   On the morning of  20 November  1968,  during Operation   Meade  River,   Corporal  Quijano  launched  as  an  Aerial  Gunner aboard  the  fifth  aircraft  in  a flight of  fourteen  CH-46  transport  helicopters assigned to helilift the assault elements of a Marine battalion into an enemy con- trolled  area  southwest of  DaNang.  Arriving  over  the designated  location,  he resolutely  manned  his  machine gun and delivered  highly effective  suppressive fire  which  enabled  his  aircraft  to land  in a fire-swept  zone, disembarking  its assault  unit,  and   depart  expeditiously  for  An  Hoa.   Embarking   additional Marines,  the CH-46  then  returned  to  the  hazardous  area.  After successfully supporting the  insertion  of  the  second  assault  increment,  Corporal  Quijano repeatedly  exposed himself to  the intense enemy fire  during the third approach to the  landing zone to deliver accurate machine  gun fire against the  hostile po- sitions.  Corporal Quijano's courage,  superior professionalism and  unwavering devotion  to duty in the face  of great  personal danger were  instrumental in the accomplishment of the dangerous mission and  were in keeping  with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service."