Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) James J. Bevlock (ASN: 0-420568), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-39 Fighter Airplane in the 36th Fighter Squadron, 8th Pursuit Group, FAR EAST Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 30 April 1942, during an air mission over Lae, New Guinea. Lieutenant Bevlock, pilot of one of four fighter planes acting as a top cover for a flight of other United States airplanes, launched an attack against enemy fighters and drew them away from the main flight. His gallant attack, in the face of heavy odds, permitted the flight he was protecting to deliver a highly successful attack on their objectives. Second Lieutenant Bevlock’s unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps), [then First Lieutenant]

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    Headquarters, 5th Air Force, General Orders No. 55 (March 24, 1943)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain (Air Corps), [then First Lieutenant] James J. Bevlock (ASN: 0-420568), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, in 1942. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Bevlock, 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.