Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant-Major

Unit:

2nd Marine Raider Battalion, HQ, 1st Marine Division "The Old Breed", U.S. Marine Corps

Awarded on:

January 4th, 1943

"Vouza was caught by the Japanese and closely questioned as to the whereabouts of American troops. Although such troops were hidden near, he refused to divulge information. He was then tied to a tree, bayoneted in the arm, shoulder, face and stomach, and left for dead. He crawled into the United States Marines lines and, although on the verge of collapse, reported all information to his senior officer before seeking medical treatment. Vouza showed great courage and devotion to duty."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant-Major

Unit:

2nd Marine Raider Battalion, HQ, 1st Marine Division "The Old Breed", U.S. Marine Corps

Awarded on:

September 1945

"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the help he gave the Second Marine Raider Battalion as head of the Binu District of native police during operations against the Japanese on that island. Sergeant Major Vouza assumed responsibility of procuring and directing natives employed as guides and carriers. From 9 November to 4 December 1942 he voluntarily performed this task, obtaining both information and carriers, and by his coolness under fire and devotion to duty inspired both natives and Marines."

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 342

Awarded on:

January 1st, 1957

"For public services in the British Solomon Islands Protectorate."

Awarded on:

June 15th, 1979

"For outstanding services to his country and local community."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant-Major

Unit:

2nd Marine Raider Battalion, HQ, 1st Marine Division "The Old Breed", U.S. Marine Corps

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity during efforts in behalf of United States Armed Forces while serving with U.S. Marine Corps Forces in the British Solomon Islands. On 7 August 1942 Sergeant Major Vouza effected a daring rescue and delivered into friendly hands an officer of the United States Navy who had been shot down in Japanese territory during an aerial engagement. Again, on August 27, while proceeding on an authorized mission for the United States Marine Corps to locate suspected enemy lookout stations, he was seized by hostile troops and lashed to a tree, where, rather than break his faith or betray his trust, he submitted to brutal and fiendish torture. Severely bayoneted about the chest and throat and left for dead, Sergeant Major Vouza, with great strength and almost superhuman endurance, extricated himself from his bonds and made his way back to our lines with valuable information concerning the enemy Japanese."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant-Major