The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant John Murphy DeVane, Jr., United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane and Flight Officer of Scouting Squadron FORTY-ONE (VS-41), attached to the U.S.S. RANGER (CV-4), during the occupation of French Morocco from 8 to 11 November 1942. Participating in four dive-bombing and strafing attacks, Lieutenant DeVane, under a bursting hail of anti-aircraft shells, pressed home vigorous and persistent attacks against hostile airfields, light vessels, gun emplacements, tanks and trucks. His outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.