The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Watertender Second Class Louis J. Fusco, United States Navy, for gallantry in action in the Solomon Islands area on 30 August 1942. While in charge of the fire-room watch on a destroyer-transport, bomb concussions from several near misses threw one boiler from its saddle and tore away steam- and fuel-oil lines, extinguishing all lights. With rare presence of mind, Watertender Second Class Fusco promptly secured the fires and ordered all his men on deck in time to abandon ship. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.