John H. Quick

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For the American author (1861-1925), see John Herbert Quick.
John Henry Quick
June 20, 1870(1870-06-20) – September 9, 1922 (aged 52)
Image:Quick JH USMC.jpg 
Place of birth Charleston, West Virginia
Place of death St. Louis, Missouri
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Marine Corps
Years of service 1892-1918, 1920
Rank Sergeant Major
Unit 16th Regiment
Battles/wars Spanish-American War
Philippine-American War
Battle of Vera Cruz (1914)
World War I
*Battle of Belleau Wood
*Battle of Soissons
Awards Medal of Honor
Distinguished Service Cross
Navy Cross

John Henry Quick (20 June 1870 – 9 September 1922) was a United States Marine who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in 1898 during the Spanish-American War.

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[edit] Early years

Quick was born in Charleston, Kanawaha County, West Virginia, on 20 June 1870. Incidentally, this was 8 years to the day that West Virginia became a State.

[edit] Military service

He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on 10 August 1892. He was awarded the Medal of Honor “for gallantry in action” in signalling the gunfire support vessel Dolphin (PG-24) while exposed to heavy enemy fire at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba on 14 June 1898.

Throughout his 26 year career as a Marine, Quick participating in every campaign the Marines were involved in during his enlistment and he was the holder of several awards for valor. The campaigns he participated in includes The West Indies Campaign, The Spanish-American War, the Philippine-American War, Cuban Campaign, Battle of Vera Cruz (1914) and , World War I.

[edit] Philippine-American War

During the Philippine-American War, he served in the Samaran campaign from 26 October 1901 to 26 March 1902, participating in the grueling and, for some, deadly march across Samar under the command of Major Littleton W. T. Waller.

[edit] Spanish-American War

On June 14, 1898 during the Spanish American war, two companies of Marines were tasked to capture Cuzco well, an important water supply to the Spanish garrison at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. As the Marines advanced on the well, they were attacked by the Spanish troops positioned in defence. The Captain in charge of the Marines signaled the USS Dolphin to provide naval gunfire in support of the Marines assault. As a result of poor positioning, the signal was misinterpreted and the Marines became the subject of "friendly fire". John Quick, then a Sergeant, placed himself where he could be seen by the ships crew and signalled a cease fire. It was this action that would earn him the Medal of Honor.

[edit] Vera Cruz

Quick served on expeditionary duty in Mexico (21 April – 23 November 1914).

During the Vera Cruz Campaign of 1913 Quick was again cited for valor during the assault of that Mexican city, for which the Secretary of the Navy commendation says of his performance:

“ He was continually exposed to fire during the first two days of the operation and showed coolness, bravery, and judgment in the prompt manner in which he performed his duties. ”

[edit] World War I

When World War I began Quick sailed for France as the Battalion Sergeant Major of a battalion of the 6th Regiment.

The Battle of Belleau Wood was the opening battle of the War for him and he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and the Navy Cross for assisting in the delivery of ammunition, over a road swept by enemy artillery and machine gun fire, to Boureches.

He earned these decorations on 6 June 1918, when "he volunteered and assisted in taking a truckload of ammunition and material into Bouresches, France, over a road swept by artillery and machine-gun fire, thereby relieving a critical situation." He was further awarded the 2d Division Citation and the French Fourragere.

In addition to Belleau Wood he participated in every battle that was fought by the Marines in France until 16 October 1918 including the Toulon Sector at Verdun, the Battle of Belleau Wood, the Aisne-Marne Offensive (popularly known as the Battle of Soissons), the Marbache Sector near Pont-a-Mousoon, the St. Mihiel Offensive, the Battle of Blanc Mont Ridge, and the Meuse-Argonne Sector.

[edit] Retirement and death

Retiring 20 November 1918, Sgt. Major Quick was recalled, at his own request, for the period 26 July – 15 September 1920.

He died in St. Louis, Missouri on 9 September 1922 at the age of 52 and is buried in Memorial Park Cemetery in Jennings, Missouri.[1] His grave can be found in Section 3, Lot 343, Grave 7.[1]

[edit] Honors and awards

The USS Quick (DD-490) is named in his honor.

[edit] Medal of Honor citation

Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps. Born: 20 June 1870, Charleston, W. Va. Accredited to: Pennsylvania. G.O. No.: 504 13 December 1898. Other Navy award: Navy Cross.

Citation:

In action during the battle of Cuzco, Cuba, 14 June 1898. Distinguishing himself during this action, Quick signaled the U.S.S. Dolphin on 3 different occasions while exposed to a heavy fire from the enemy.

[edit] See also

United States Marine Corps Portal

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ a b John H. Quick at Find A Grave. Retrieved on 2007-12-31

[edit] References

This article includes text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.