For over 20 years, the radical genocidal Khmer Rouge had imposed fear into hundreds of thousands of people living in and around Cambodia. Amb. Quinn during his time at the State Department had fought to bring an end to their reign and capture their leaders. In March of 1999, the leader Ta Mok was finally brought to justice effectively ending the Khmer Rouge. Amb. Quinn would be recognized for his role in bringing about the collapse of the worst mass-murdering, terrorist organization of the 20th century.