Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Technician Fourth Grade

Unit:

715th Amphibian Tractor Battalion, 77th Infantry Division (715th Amphibian Tractor Battalion, 77th Infantry Division)

Awarded on:

November 26th, 1945

Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 715th Amphibian Tractor Battalion, 77th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 10 June 1945, at Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands. During the operations which culminated in the clearing of Japanese forces from Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, the 715th Amphibian Tractor Battalion was hauling ammunition by amphibian tractor to the Seventh Marine Regiment when enemy artillery disabled one of the vehicles on a reef just off shore. Technician Savino, a Radio Operator, volunteered with three other men to use another tractor in an attempt to salvage the vehicle and its cargo of urgently needed ammunition. Reaching the reef, the group had descended from the amphibian tractor when the entire area was covered by a severe artillery barrage which wounded all four men. Seeing that one of his comrades had been too seriously wounded to walk, Technician Savino, although painfully injured himself, refused to take cover and ran through the enemy concentration to the aid of the disabled soldier. Taking the wounded man in his arms, he had carried him about 10 yards when an artillery projectile landed a few yards away and exploded, killing his comrade, knocking Technician Savino to the ground, breaking his arm, and severely lacerating his face and body. Realizing the only chance of saving his own life and those of his companions was to leave the reef as soon as possible, he made his way to the tractor, climbed into the cab, and had the engine running by the time his wounded comrades reached the vehicle. Then, despite his increasingly weakened condition, he courageously drove the tractor 800 yards to the beach where he collapsed. Through gallant initiative, resourcefulness, and unremitting devotion to duty, Technician Fourth Grade Savino rescued two wounded comrades. His intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 77th Infantry Division, and the United States Army."

Headquarters, U.S. Forces-Pacific, General Orders No. 352 (November 26, 1945).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Second Purple Heart received as a bronze oak leaf cluster for on the ribbon of the first Purple Heart.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Received with three battle stars.