Michael Edward Quinn

Lieutenant Commander
VA-196, CVW-2, USS RANGER
United States Navy
21 August 1933 - 15 May 1978
Madelia, Minnesota
Panel 16W Line 110

USS RANGER A-6 VA-196
Naval Flight Officer

Purple Heart, Air Medal, National Defense, Vietnam Service, Vietnam Campaign

The database page for Michael Edward Quinn

03 Dec 2000

On 22 November 1969, our sister A-6 INTRUDER squadron VA-196, flying from USS RANGER, lost two aircraft over Laos.

My squadron, VA-85 aboard USS CONSTELLATION, assisted with the SAR efforts. We were not successful.

Of the four crewmen, only one (Cdr L W Richards) was picked up. The other three

simply disappeared into the jungles of Savannakhet Province, Laos.

These men are remembered by their squadronmates, friends, and families.

From another A-6 crewman,
Ken Davis
virtualwall@nctv.com

09 Jun 2007

I wear the MIA bracelet of LCDR Michael Quinn. It serves as a reminder of the price he paid for my freedom, and as a symbol of respect for his sacrifice and that of all who serve. Thank you. If a family member would like to have it, please contact me.

Lauren Ball
lauren@gypsyflights.com

18 Jun 2007

My Dear Sweet Mike, I can't believe it will soon be 40 years since you have left us. It still seems like yesterday I saw your smiling face walking toward me and giving me one of your Minnesota Bear Hugs. I have so many memories to last a life time of all the fun we all had in Coronado at the "MexPac" and the O-Club. You were a wonderful caring friend and gentleman. My oldest daughter tells me she misses you deeply every time she hears the song "The Mighty Quinn". The boys still have the airplane collection you helped them build and the model of your plane you made them. My family and I miss you and your smile every day. Thank you for coming into our lives and giving of your love and kindness. They are memories we cherish forever.Until someday when we meet again. My Love and Prayers.

From a friend,
Mary Griffith
E-mail address is not available.

A note from The Virtual Wall

Commander Richards and then Lieutenant (junior grade) Richard Deuter were flying as lead in a section of two A-6A INTRUDERS, operating under FAC control against a target near Tavouc in southern Laos. Richards, flying A-6A BuNo 155613, rolled in on the target and released his weapons, but as he pulled out of the dive-bombing delivery the wing structure failed and the aircraft disintegrated in flight. Richards was able to escape and was picked up about 30 minutes later, but Richard Deuter apparently went in with the aircraft.

In a separate incident, LCdr Richard F. Collins and Lt Michael E. Quinn, flying A-6A BuNo 155607, were conducting a night armed reconnaissance mission along the Ho Chi Minh Trail further to the north. A second A-6 was operating at some distance in trail. The crew of the second aircraft sighted a large fireball estimated to be in the vicinity of Ban Tampanko, Laos. There was no radio contact with either crewman and SAR efforts failed to locate either crew or aircraft.

As of 07 Dec 2002 the remains of the three men have not been repatriated.





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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Memorial first published on 03 Dec 2000
Last updated 11/14/2010