The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Fireman First Class Joseph Roy Odum (NSN: 2681288), United States Navy, for gallantry in action during World War II. When the U.S.S. MEREDITH (DD-726) was sunk by 30 Japanese torpedo bombers on 15 October 1942, Fireman First Class Odum held fast to his battle station and effectively manned a 20-mm. machine gun, despite the order to abandon ship. With the decks awash he kept up a persistent blaze of fire against Japanese planes which swept down for merciless strafing runs on helpless survivors. He was still firing his gun when the ship went down. 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.