The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel Michael T. Cuccio, United States Marine Corps, for heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy while serving as the Senior Mentor, Embedded Training Team 2-6, Regional Corps Advisory Command-Central, 201st Corps, Afghan National Army, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, from 23 April 2008 to 21 June 2008. During a series of Taliban attacks on Coalition and Afghan National Security Force bases, Lieutenant Colonel Cuccio, on three separate occasions, without regard for his own safety, unhesitatingly and courageously exposed himself to enemy fire by climbing onto the roof of his Combat Operations Center to adjust Coalition and Afghan National Army artillery and mortar fires onto enemy rocket and Rocket Propelled Grenade launch sites all while enemy fires impacted in and around the camp. His swift and audacious actions resulted in the death of several enemy fighters, saving Camp Joyce from further destruction and injury or death to personnel. Moreover, he was a key mediator during tense negotiations between Afghan National Security Force and the Pakistan Frontier Corps at the Nawa Pass border post and after a large-scale attack by enemy fighters caused numerous casualties to Afghan National Security forces. Due in large measure to his adroit and nuanced statesmanship, commitments and demands of both sides were equitably met, leaving little chance for the enemy to conduct future attacks on Afghan National Security Force from Pakistan Frontier Corps positions. Additionally, his emphasis to the Afghan National Army for sustained offensive action culminated in an engagement at Tut Naw, significantly disrupting enemy forces on the eastern side of the Kunar River. Lieutenant Colonel Cuccio’s exceptional valor, bold leadership, superior professionalism and loyal devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. [The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.]