The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Paul Richard Beauchamp (NSN: 0-125004), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as a pilot in Fighting Squadron NINETEEN (VF-19), while participating in aerial flights against enemy forces in September and October 1944. On 12 October 1944 he led a photographic mission, in conjunction with a strike on an important target on the island of Formosa. He searched out and photographed the target in the mountains although the weather conditions made the mission hazardous. When his division was attacked by a superior number of enemy fighters, he assisted in destroying one enemy plane and led his division in driving off the remaining enemy aircraft without failing to complete his mission. Upon returning to his carrier, he was immediately launched and aided a strike group in locating and attacking an important power plant and installations. Again on 13 October 1944, he accompanied a large strike to the area where he located the target for our bombers by diving his plane through intense anti-aircraft fire ahead of them. He then proceeded to photograph airfields and installations at a very low altitude, necessitated by low clouds. In spite of intense anti-aircraft fire which continually shook his plane he obtained valuable photographs. His leadership, courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.