The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Seaman Second Class Herman F. Blue (NSN: 6568380), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while attached to the U.S.S. SAVANNAH (CL-42), during the amphibious invasion of Italy. When an enemy bomb struck the U.S.S. SAVANNAH on 11 September 1943, in the Gulf of Salerno, a serious fire was started in one of the turrets. Seaman Second Class Blue, whose battle station was adjacent to the turret, was felled by the explosion. Regaining his feet, he immediately, with great bravery and decisive action, extinguished the flaming clothes of a man emerging from the turret. He then attempted to restrain another man with clothes aflame from jumping over the side. On returning to the turret, he extinguished the burning clothing of the Turret Officer. He then assisted in running hoses and fighting the fire, thereby greatly contributing to the prevention of further damage. The exceptional courage, complete disregard for his own safety, and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Seaman Second Class Blue were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.