Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    1st Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

    Action Date:

    April 5, 1969

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Aouliolitau Faitupe Taufi (MCSN: 2413656), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company D, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 5 April 1969, Corporal Taufi’s platoon was directed to assist another company which had become heavily engaged with a large enemy force in Quang Nam Province and sustained numerous casualties. Fearlessly assuming the hazardous point position, Lance Corporal Taufi led his team across a nearby river and, while the remainder of the platoon followed, repeatedly exposed himself to intense enemy fire as he located and fired upon enemy positions. When the entire platoon had completed the crossing, he skillfully continued the assault by maneuvering his men into favorable fighting positions and directing their accurate suppressive fire at the hostile force. Lance Corporal Taufi then moved to a vantage point from which he could better observe hostile emplacements and, employing light antitank assault weapons, grenades, and small arms fire, enabled the platoon to establish effective fighting emplacements. While his comrades maintained fire superiority, he then completely disregarded his own safety to make numerous trips across the fire-swept terrain and assist casualties to places of relative safety. His heroic and determined efforts inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, aggressive leadership and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Lance Corporal Taufi upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.