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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain [then Commander] Paul Louis Devos (NSN: 0-63399), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. MURRAY (DD-576), in action against enemy Japanese forces near the coast of Japan and later in the vicinity of Okinawa Shima, from 17 to 27 March 1945. Commanding an important unit of an advanced picket group, Captain Devos engaged in offensive operations against enemy aerial forces and assisted in the destruction of seven enemy planes. Subsequently serving as a unit of the screen of Carrier Task Group FIFTY-EIGHT POINT ONE, he directed the MURRAY during several missions and shot down an attacking torpedo plane although two of his guns were out of commission. By his courage and initiative, he contributed materially to the successful operation of the MURRAY and his devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain [then Commander]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Murray (DD-576)

    Action Date:

    July 1 – August 15, 1945
    Commander 2d Carrier Task Force: Serial 02003 (March 13, 1947)

    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”.)