The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Seaman Second Class Joseph John Pastor (NSN: 6685413), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving on board the Heavy Cruiser U.S.S. SAN FRANCISCO (CA-38), in the action against Japanese naval forces in the Solomon Islands area on the night of 12 – 13 November 1942. Seaman Second Class Pastor volunteered to lead a hose around a gun turret which was firing and into a hangar where a fire was raging. He lost his life in an effort to distinguish the blaze. Seaman Second Class Pastor’s gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.