Sgt. Michael E. Tayaotao died Aug. 9 from wounds suffered during what the department described as combat operations. It was his third tour of duty in Iraq. Tayaotao was a member of the 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group based at Camp Pendleton. Tayaotao's uncle, Felix Tayaotao of Sunnyvale, said his unmarried nephew joined the Marine Corps right out of high school and was planning to stay in the service until he became eligible for retirement. "He was a brave guy and a straightforward guy," his uncle said. His survivors include his parents, Heidi and Mario Tayaotao, and a sister, Leah Tayaotao of Santa Monica. The 27-year-old Tayaotao joined the Marine Corps in 1998. His decorations included the Air Medal, Presidential Unit Commendation, the Iraq Campaign Medal and Good Conduct Medal.

Tayaotao, Micheal Estigo, Sgt