Career
In a manner similar to how Japanese kamikaze would impact American ships in the Second World War, he sacrificed his life by deliberately crashing into an Ecuadorian battery during the Battle of Zarumilla in the Ecuadorian–Peruvian war. Lieutenant Quiñones was a fighter pilot in the 41st Escuadrilla (Flight) of the Peruvian Air Force, which participated in a bombing raid at Quebrada Seca on July 23, 1941. Quiñones" aircraft, a North American NA-50 "TORITO", was shot down by a battery of Ecuadorian anti-aircraft artillery.
Choosing not to parachute to safety, Quiñones made the supreme sacrifice by crashing his aircraft onto the Ecuadorian battery.
After his death he was declared a national hero by law on May 10, 1966. Named in his honour is the Cap.
FAP José A. Quiñones Gonzales International Airport near his town of birth in Chiclayo. When the new currency of Peru (nuevo sol) was introduced in 1991 he appeared on the 10 South/.