Peru, Republic. An Order Of Captain Jose A. Quinones, I Class Grand Cross Star, C.1975

(Orden del Capitán José A. Quiñones). Instituted in 1975. Four-piece construction, insignia in silver gilt with red and cerulean blue enamels, mounted to an eight-pointed silver star base, marked "925" (silver) on the reverse, measuring 85.5 mm (w) x 89.8 mm (h), vertical pinback, scattered gilt wear, near extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of Captain Jose A. Quinones was instituted in four classes: Special Grand Cross, Grand Cross, Grand Officer and Commander, by Decree Law No.21207 of July 8, 1975, to be awarded to members of the Peruvian Air Force and, exceptionally, to other members of the Armed Forces and Police Force and those not belonging to the Air Force of Peru for actions or meritorious service on behalf of the Air Force of Peru of exceptional courage and heroic sacrifice. It was later altered to five grades: Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer and Knight. Peruvian Air Force Captain José Abelardo Quiñones Gonzáles was military aviator in the 41st Escuadrilla (Squadron) during the war with Ecuador. His aircraft, a North American NA-50, was shot down on July 23, 1941 by Ecuadorian air defences at Quebrada Seca whilst he was flying in support of ground troops engaged in the Battle of Zarumilla. Too low to bale out, Captain Quiñones deliberately crashed his aircraft into the air defence battery. His body was returned with full honours to the Peruvian authorities by Ecuador on 19 October 1941. On 10 May 1966, he was declared a national hero of Peru and the Order was instituted as a permanent reminder of his courage and self-sacrifice.