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.