The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Puni Mikaele (MCSN: 2376013), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Guide with Company I, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 27 June 1969, during Operation UTAH MESA, Company I was occupying a night defensive position in Quang Tri Province when the Marines came under an intense ground attack from approximately three companies of North Vietnamese Army soldiers employing small arms, automatic weapons, and rocket propelled grenades. Sighting the approaching enemy before they reached the perimeter, Sergeant Mikaele fearlessly rushed across the fire-swept terrain to a machine gun position and began delivering a heavy volume of accurate and effective fire at the oncoming force. Killing four hostile soldiers with his initial blast of fire, he disrupted the attackers long enough to enable his platoon to reinforce the perimeter. Steadfastly continuing his determined efforts, he fired his weapon at the enemy while simultaneously directing the fire of two other machine gunners. When the hostile assault grew more intense, Sergeant Mikaele boldly exposed himself to the enemy fire as he ran twenty-five meters across the hazardous area to an armored personnel carrier and directed the vehicle’s .50 caliber machine gun fire at the hostile force until the attackers withdrew. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the defeat of the enemy unit. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Sergeant Mikaele upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.