The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Sergeant Michael A. Mendoza, United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as Assistant Reconnaissance Team Leader, Company B, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 7 April 2004. Sergeant Mendoza’s platoon was patrolling in Al Anbar Province when ambushed by an enemy force in well-fortified positions. After a rocket-propelled grenade disabled his vehicle, Sergeant Mendoza organized and led five Marines in a charge across an open field, up a 10 foot berm, and across a deep and muddy canal to firing positions within hand grenade range of the enemy. The vigor of this first assault eliminated 10 insurgents and forced many others to retreat. Observing injured Marines still under fire in the enemy zone, Sergeant Mendoza continued the assault with complete disregard for his own personal safety. When his commander was wounded by an enemy combatant concealed in a nearby trench line, Sergeant Mendoza decisively engaged and neutralized the threat. Then he knelt in the open by his commander’s side while another Marine rendered aid and pulled the officer to a shallow ditch. Despite the rocket and machine gun fire directed at him, Sergeant Mendoza held his position and continued to provide covering fire until an armored vehicle arrived to evacuate the wounded officer. By his decisive actions, bold initiative, and complete dedication to duty, Sergeant Mendoza reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.