The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Motor Machinist’s Mate First Class Joe E. Dodd, United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in keeping his landing craft afloat under heavy gunfire during the assault on the Island of Sicily in July 1943. Motor Machinist’s Mate First Class Dodd was a member of the crew of an LCVP from the U.S.S. LST 332 which grounded on rocks outside proper beaching depth. Simultaneously, enemy machine gun nests opened fire from positions in front, above, and to the right of the boat, killing two soldiers embarked therein before the bow ramp could be hoisted. An attempt was made to free the boat in order to get closer to the beach, but it became apparent that it was firmly wedged on rocks. The LCVP began to ship water rapidly, which threatened to sink her, but Seaman Bowers, and the balance of the crew, bailed and pumped the boat dry in spite of the fact that every movement drew enemy fire. When the dawn came, the boat crew and Army personnel aboard swam to the beach with the remaining dry guns and ammunition. The enemy pill boxes were plainly visible and firing intermittently. As the group reached the beach, twenty Italian soldiers left the nearest pill box and surrendered. Due to Motor Machinist’s Mate First Class Dodd’s gallant and heroic action, the boat was kept afloat, and the Army personnel were saved and capable of carrying out their mission. His courage in the face of fire was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.