The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Air Corps) John S. Murrey (ASN: 0-385864), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the Northwest African Strategic Air Force, in aerial operations in the North Africa Theater of Operations, on the night of 5 January 1943, when the airfield was bombed by enemy aircraft. Fires were started in a gasoline and ammunition dump which lighted the entire area, making the field and aircraft visible for probable later raids. With disregard for his own safety, Captain Murray scattered piles of exploding ammunition and extinguished the fires with dirt. He then proceeded to shoot holes in the bottoms of gasoline containers, spreading gasoline on the ground where it was extinguished by dirt, and then rolled barrels out of the fire area. The courage, skill, and initiative of Captain Murrey contributed greatly to the safety of personnel, airplanes, and airfield installations. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Murrey, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.