The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Joe D. Morawitz (MCSN: 275631), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the THIRD Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Cape Torokina Area, Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on December 22, 1943. Braving devastating enemy machine-gun and sniper fire, Sergeant Morawitz voluntarily risked his life to effect the rescue of a critically wounded comrade lying in front of Japanese lines. Crawling through hostile fire lanes for a distance of fifty yards, he securely fastened a toggle rope about the injured Marine and, with the assistance of a companion, dragged him to a safe area where first aid could be administered. Sergeant Morawitz’s courageous initiative, daring aggressiveness and heroic self-sacrifice in the face of grave peril contributed to the saving of a life, and his gallant action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.