The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Mark A. DeVille, United States Army, for exceptional valor and gallantry in action while serving with the Joint Security Force Company, United Nations Command Security Force at Panmunjom, Korea, on 23 November 1984. In reaction to thirty attacking North Korean soldiers in pursuit of a Soviet defector who fled across the border inside the Demilitarized Zone, Private First Class DeVille’s fearless actions while in direct and intense contact with the enemy were instrumental to the rescue of the defector and success of the Joint Security Force’s historic combat action. Along with his squad leader, Private First Class DeVille maneuvered across fifty meters of open terrain under fire to help surround enemy forces and force their surrender. Throughout the intense forty-minute firefight, Private First Class DeVille displayed no regard for his own personal safety, and put himself at great risk to accomplish the mission. Private First Class DeVille’s bravery and selfless actions under extremely hazardous conditions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflect great credit upon him, the United Nations Command Joint Security Force and the United States.