The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Boatswain’s Mate Second Class Joseph O’Savage, United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a member of the Armed Guard crew aboard a merchant vessel during action against enemy forces during World War II. Standing tensely by his battle station for two consecutive days and nights without sleep or rest, Boatswain’s Mate Second Class O’Savage aided in effectively repelling persistent raids upon the convoy. By his courageous tenacity and tireless devotion to duty, he contributed to the aggressive fighting spirit which enabled the vessel to survive a series of perilous encounters and reach her port of destination with an important war cargo. Boatswain’s Mate Second Class O’Savage’s gallant actions and selfless devotion to duty, without regard for his own safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.