Staff Sgt. Mindo D. Estrella, platoon commander, 2nd

Staff Sgt. Mindo D. Estrella, platoon commander, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, was recognized for outstanding leadership and awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal during a ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Feb. 21, 2014. Estrella, a 31-year-old native of East Chicago, Ind., and a 2002 graduate of Central High School in Erie, Penn., received the prestigious Sergeant Major Joseph J. Ellis Leadership Award for his dedication during an eight-month deployment to Okinawa, Japan, as part of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. During his time in Japan, Estrella trained his Marines rigorously in martial arts and leadership. He received greater responsibilities than usual for his rank, and his current position is typically filled by a commissioned officer. During his career, Estrella deployed three times to Iraq, twice to Okinawa and once to Afghanistan. He is a recipient of the Purple Heart, Navy Commendation Medal, three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals with combat V for valor, and three Good Conduct Medals. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jacob H. Harrer / cleared for release)