[1] On October 1, 1969, he arrived in South Vietnam; and by February 1, 1970, he was serving as a first lieutenant in Troop B, 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division.

On that day, in Tay Ninh Province, South Vietnam, during Operation Toan Thang IV, Steindam covered an enemy-thrown hand grenade with his body, protecting his fellow soldiers at the expense of his own life.

First Lieutenant Steindam's official 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.

On the way to the ambush site, suspected enemy movement was detected on 1 flank and the platoon's temporary position was subjected to intense small arms and automatic weapons fire as well as a fusillade of hand and rocket-propelled grenades.

Then, unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his safety, 1st Lt. Steindam deliberately threw himself on the grenade, absorbing the full and fatal force of the explosion as it detonated.