Napoleon Andrew Tuiteleleapaga

Napoleon wrote a book that focused on Samoan culture and all the aspects of daily island lifestyle titled, Samoa: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow. The book was published in 1980 with an introduction by the renowned anthropologist Margaret Mead. "The book deals with the history of Samoa as remembered and recorded, with old customs and with hew, seen though the eyes of a leaned contemporary Samoan. It is the first book of its kind written by a full-blooded Samoan, who was born, raised, and educated in the islands. Most books about a people who once depended upon oral tradition and their own distinctive religious system, and later become part of the literate Cristian world, distinguish sharply between the two." -Margaret Mead

Tuiteleleapaga was a devout Roman Catholic. Napoleon served and defended the Catholic Church loyally and faithfully. He represented the Catholic population of American Samoa in the Church Unification Committee of Samoa. He composed many hymns for the Samoan Catholic community and was known to conduct the Leone Catholic Choir. He translated the anthem "Long Live The Pope" into the Samoan Language and composed his own memorial anthem for the first Samoan cardinal, Cardinal Pio Taofinu'u. He invited Pope Paul VI to visit Samoa during the visit of two papal emissaries. In connection with this, the "Tautai" (Fisherman), a local Catholic newspaper, in its publication in Vol. II, No. 11, November, 1970, said: ". . . and it was on this occasion that High Chief Tuiteleleapaga Napoleone asked the visitors on behalf of the bishop, priests, nuns, catechists, and Samoan Catholics, to convey to the Holy Father their request that he extend his visit to Samoa." The emissaries, Msgr. E. Macchi and Bishop Marzinkus, replied, "Your wish will be conveyed to the Holy Father; we will keep on reminding him, and you will be notified as to his decision before he starts his visit to Australia."

On June 29, 1969, Napoleon was given the family title, "Tuiteleleapaga" after the death of his great great grandfather, Natagiala Tuiteleleapaga. The Tuiteleleapaga title hails from the village of Leone, American Samoa. In the village of Leone, the Tuiteleleapaga title is a tamaali'i title and sits as one of the highest chiefs.

In 1966, U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson visited the island of American Samoa. Napoleon was very instrumental for the presidential visit. Napoleon was asked by the Governor of American Samoan and Members of the President's cabinet to write the welcome speech and conduct the ceremonies.

His greatest accomplishment was the composition of the music for the National Anthem of American Samoa. He wrote the anthem in his late 20s then went on to compose other songs. The territorial anthem was officially adopted in 1950.

Napoleon was given the title "Fofogaoali'i" in the 1940s. One of the benefactors of said title was High Chief and Senator, Rapi Sotoa. Sotoa honored Napoleon by giving recognition to Napoleon's accomplishments and services to their country. The title "Fofogaoali'i" can be loosely translated to "speaker for the chiefs." Napoleon was very proud and humbled by the chief title, however, he wasn't completely satisfied. Napoleon quipped that he was not very keen of the chief title because there weren't any lands attached to the chief title.

Napoleon A. Tuiteleleapaga (II) (May 25, 1904 – December 25, 1988) was a prominent figure of both Western and American Samoa. He was a lawyer, author, amateur poet and musician from Leone, Tutuila, American Samoa. He is best known for composing the American Samoan anthem, "Amerika Samoa".

Napoleon was born on May 25, 1904. He hails from the island of American Samoa. Like many Samoans of his time, Tuiteleleapaga grew up in poverty. He was a self-taught man. He loved to learn and stay relevant with societal changes. He graduated from the Marist Brothers School located in, Leone Village, Alataua County, Western District, Tutuila, American Samoa. After his commencement, Tuiteleleapaga continued his independent studies. Tuiteleleapaga sought to quench his thirst for knowledge until his final days. Tuiteleleapaga was very keen with all types of music and fancied brass instruments the most. Napoleon had the innate ability to be able to pick up an instrument and begin to play it. People close to Napoleon tell stories of how he would compose songs on restaurant napkins. Years later, Napoleon earned a LL. B. from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, California.