The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Captain [then Commander] Paul Louis Devos (NSN: 0-63399), United States Navy, for heroic service as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. MURRAY (DD-576), attached to Destroyer Squadron TWENTY-FIVE, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of the Japanese Home Islands from 1 July to 15 August 1945. Participating in numerous carrier strikes against Honshu and Hokkaido, Japan, and in high-speed, anti-shipping sweeps along the shores of Honshu, Captain Devos contributed materially to the success of our forces. Continuing to render valuable assistance during this period of intense activity, he directed his vessel in a daring penetration thirty miles into enemy-held Suruga Wan, Nonshu, to attack hostile shipping, railway and manufacturing objectives on the night of 30 July. His courage, seamanship and devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Devos is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)