By Jack Nicas

A Somerville man serving in the Marines was injured in a roadside bombing June 10 in Afghanistan. Paul Savage’s parents said the bomb struck a Humvee carrying the Fairfax Street native and four fellow soldiers, causing injuries to Savage’s knee, leg, hip and back.

On Thursday aldermen and Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone recognized Savage for his service to the country by presenting his parents, Paul and Carol Savage, with citations.

Savage’s parents were also presented with a medal from Frank P. Senesi, the director of Veteran Services in Somerville. Ward 4 Alderman Walter Pero said, ‚ÄúIn the bottom of a file cabinet, I found a medal, which the then mayor would reward to veterans returning to Somerville from World War I. Mr. Senesi had that medal recast and we now have a replica with the city seal on it and on the back it says ‘To those who served.’‚Äù

Savage’s father said his son is serving his third tour of duty in Afghanistan, after two separate tours in Iraq. His parents said they are unaware of his whereabouts due to his position in the Marine Corps Intelligence Unit.

Savage achieved dean’s list honors and received his Bachelor’s degree in Law from Salem State College in 2004. Then, while pursuing his Master’s degree there, he suddenly decided to serve his country.

Savage Sr. said, ‚Äú[Paul] came home one day and said, ‘Dad. I’m going to the Marines.‚Äù I thought he was fooling. He had never said a word [before that].‚Äù

Ward 5 Alderman Sean O’Donovan said at Thursday’s meeting that Savage had an opportunity to work with the Massachusetts State Police, but turned it down to serve overseas.

Anthony Ciccariello, Somerville High School headmaster and family friend of the Savages, said the family has a long history of serving their community. Savage’s grandfather worked as foreman at the DPW Highway Department and his father is a retired fireman for the city. Ciccariello said, ‚ÄúPaul joining the military is the ultimate extension of that family ethic of community service.‚Äù

Much to the relief of his parents, Savage has been removed from combat following his recent injury. Savage Sr. said, ‚ÄúFirst thing he told me was. ‘Dad, tell Ma she can go to sleep tonight because I’m not in combat.‚Äù

Ciccariello said he’s been close with the family since his son Gabriel and Savage were in Little League together. He said Savage is bright, articulate, ‚Äúand most importantly, an individual who cares deeply about his hometown community of Somerville and his country.‚Äù