The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Machinist First Class Joseph A. Masi, United States Navy, for gallantry in action during World War II. When his warship was torpedoed in the South Pacific Area, Machinist First Class Masi struggled to the forward port corner of the fireroom, adjacent to the steaming boiler, forced his way through a stream of in-rushing water, shored the bulkhead, and prevented further flooding of the 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.