Sergeant Major Niuatoa, Michael J. USMC Bronze Star Medal The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the BRONZE STAR MEDAL to SERGEANT MAJOR MICHAEL J. NIUATOA UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS for service as set forth in the following CITATION: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company I, Third Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, Third Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. From 1 February to 18 February 1968, Sergeant Major NIUATOA, then a Lance Corporal, was assigned to search for North Vietnamese heavy artillery positions from an exposed observation post on Hill 881 South, an outpost of the 26th Marine at Khe Sanh. He remained at his post without relief during daylight hours, disregarding steady fire by snipers, mortars, rockets and artillery until, on 18 February, he spotted muzzle flashes from positions over 10,000 meters away in Laos. Under his direction, air strikes were brought to bear that resulted in the destruction of a 130mm gun battery that had been firing daily at Khe Sanh. By his steadfast devotion to duty at great personal risk, his awesome patience in discharging a difficult task superbly, and his precise directions to the Forward Air Controller (Airborne), Sergeant Major NIUATOA inflicted a heavy blow to the forces besieging Khe Sanh and substantially reduced Marine casualties at Khe Sanh Combat Base. By his courage, resolve and inspiring example under fire, Sergeant Major NIUATOA upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.