A graduate of Manu’a High School, who entered the military in 1997 has been awarded the “Bronze Star Medal” for “Exceptionally Meritorious Service as a Sergeant of the Guard while conducting Combat Operations Iraq Freedom.”

“First and foremost I thank the Heavenly Father. I didn’t expect that this was going to happen, but it did,” said Staff Sgt. Samoanagalo M. Leatimua in a telephone interview yesterday from Hawai’i. “I truly believe that my honesty in doing my job provided me the opportunity to receive this medal.”

Leatimua, 43, was presented the Medal during a ceremony held Wednesday in Honolulu. “I am truly happy and very proud to be a Samoan serving in the military and receiving this great honor,” said Leatimua, who is based at Headquarters Support Company, 25th  Special Troops Battalion, Schofield Barracks, Hawai’i.

According to the military information, Staff Sgt. Leatimua’s actions contributed immeasurably to the success of building a free and democratic nation for the citizens of Iraq and to the efforts to win the Global war on Terrorism.

His “professionalism and commitment to excellence reflect great credit upon him, 25th Special Troops Battalion, 25th Infantry Division, Multi National Division North, and the U.S. Army,” it says.

According to the military website, the Bronze Star Medal is a U.S. Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. When awarded for bravery, it is the fourth-highest combat award of the U.S. Armed Forces and the ninth highest military award (including both combat and non-combat awards) in the order of precedence of U.S. military decorations.

Retired First Sgt. Peter M. Tupufia Faumuina called Leatimua a “fine soldier” and deserving of the medal, adding he first knew Leatimua six years ago, while Leatimua was stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington.

“Staff Sgt. Leatimua is a mighty fine soldier and he is very sincere, and highly motivated as a fine young Noncommissioned Officer in today’s Army,” said Faumuina in an e-mail from Fort Lewis. “Staff Sgt. Leatimua represents our Small Island in a positive way on the clock, and around the clock.”

“Staff Sgt. Leatimua accomplishments and all sons, and daughters of Samoa in the military pave the way for our future sons and daughters with determination to join the Armed Forces of the United States of America,” he pointed out. “Staff Sgt. Leatimua’s award is well deserved.”

Faumuina is a Counselor for Entitlements/Benefits for all U.S. Department of Defense personnel, military/civilian, Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-4, Logistic, at Fort Lewis and he “strives for mission accomplished.”

Leatimua’s latest mission to Iraq was last year, returning this year. He graduated from Manu’a High School in 1984 and entered military service in 1997. His father is the late Tuailevaotele Ioane L. Polotaivao from Savai’i and his mother, Matafele Tuaua of Manu’a, currently resides in Hawai’i.

“I believe actions speak louder than words and your actions and performance reflect it. So I did the job I was trained to do and carried it out during my tour of Iraq as well as throughout my military career,” he said. “I was the only Samoan from my unit and I’m very proud of my Samoan heritage.”

Not everyone gets this medal and the process involves being nominated which then goes to a board, who then discuss and make the decision before it’s sent to a higher ranking officer, who then signs off before it’s sent to the Secretary of the Army.

“I hope I’m a role model for Samoan soldiers coming into the military and our Samoan soldiers do the right thing in the course of their duties and do their best. And most importantly, do your job honestly,” he said. “Your honest actions will follow you.”

A photo of Leatimua was not immediately available but will be published it as soon as Samoa News receives it.