The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) James P. Deveuve (ASN: 0-730089), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Pilot of a B-24 Liberator Bomber of the 513th Bombardment Squadron, 376th Bombardment Group (Heavy), in action while participating in operations against the Ploesti Oil Refineries of Roumania on 1 August 1943. In this raid on one of the enemy’s most vital production centers, Lieutenant Deveuve, commanding and piloting a heavy bombardment aircraft and acting as flight leader in a daring low-level sweep over the target, carried out his part of the mission without a thought for the great danger to his life, in the face of extraordinarily strong anti-aircraft fire. In this operation, one of the most valuable and strategically damaging ever launched against the enemy in this war, his courage and skillful performance of duty made a contribution of inestimable value. Lieutenant Deveuve’s accomplishment stands as a brilliant addition to the record of achievement of the United States Army Air Forces.