Noel Quintero was honoured with VUFO’s noble distinction for his friendship and revolutionary spirit as well as his contributions to Vietnam’s national liberation and reunification movement in the past and enhancing solidarity and cooperation between Vietnam and Venezuela at present. 

In October 1964, Noel Quintero and his comrades captured US Lieutenant-Colonel Michael Smolen to demand the release of Vietnam’s national hero Nguyen Van Troi, who had been sentenced to death by the former Vietnam Republic government for his assassination attempt on Defence Secretary Robert McNamara. 

Though he failed, his action greatly encouraged the Vietnamese people in their struggle against US aggressors for national independence. 

Addressing the function, Noel Quintero, who is also a founding member of the Venezuela-Vietnam Friendship and Solidarity Association, affirmed that he would make more contributions to strengthening mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries.