Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipient. He received the award posthumously (presented to his family) from President Richard M. Nixon at the White House on April 7, 1970, for his actions as a specialist fourth class with Company C, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, US Army, on March 2, 1968, near Gia Dinh, South Vietnam. He joined the US Army in 1967 and agter his recruit and combat training, he was sent to South Vietnam. During a firefight on that day, he held the enemy at bay with his machine gunand provided suppressive fire that allowed for the evacuation of wounded soldiers, despite his own serious wounds. He was eventually killed during the battle. He was also awarded the Purple Heart. His Medal of Honor citation reads: "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. While serving as a machine gunner with Company C, Sp4c. Cutinha accompanied his unit on a combat mission near Gia Dinh. Suddenly his company came under small-arms, automatic-weapons, mortar, and rocket-propelled grenade fire, from a battalion-size enemy unit. During the initial hostile attack, communications with the battalion was lost and the company commander and numerous members of the company became casualties. When Sp4c. Cutinha observed that his company was pinned down and disorganized, he moved to the front with complete disregard for his safety, firing his machine gun at the charging enemy. As he moved forward he drew fire on his own position and was seriously wounded in the leg. As the hostile fire intensified and half of the company was killed or wounded, Sp4c. Cutinha assumed command of all the survivors in his area and initiated a withdrawal while providing cover fire for the evacuation of the wounded. He killed several enemy soldiers but sustained another leg wound when his machine gun was destroyed by incoming rounds. Undaunted, he crawled through a hail of enemy fire to an operable machine gun in order to continue the defense of his injured comrades who were being administered medical treatment. Sp4c. Cutinha maintained this position, refused assistance, and provided defensive fire for his comrades until he fell mortally wounded. He was solely responsible for killing 15 enemy soldiers while saving the lives of at least nine members of his own unit. Sp4c. Cutinha's gallantry and extraordinary heroism were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army."