Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    7th Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.) FMF

    Action Date:

    February 12, 1970

    Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Michael Angelo Sirousa (MCSN: 2569447), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Squad Leader with Company C, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 12 February 1970, Company C was moving as a reaction force to support another Marine unit which was heavily engaged in combat with a hostile force in Quang Nam Province. While moving across a stream, the point squad came under intense small arms and automatic weapons fire from an enemy unit well entrenched on the opposite bank, wounding several Marines and pinning the squad down on a sandbar in the middle of the stream. Reacting instantly, Private First Class Sirousa skillfully maneuvered his squad to firing positions along the river bank and directed the delivery of maximum fire at the enemy positions. Realizing that the amount of fire delivered by Marines along the bank was insufficient to suppress the hostile fire, he gathered as many hand grenades as he could carry and rushed across the stream in a valiant one-man assault on the enemy positions. Firing his rifle and hurling hand grenades, he continued his gallant efforts, despite the concentration of hostile fire directed at him, until he was mortally wounded. His dauntless fighting spirit inspired all who observed him and was greatly instrumental in the defeat of the enemy. By his courage, bold initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty, Private First Class Sirousa upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.