The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps), [then Major] James Carroll Beam (ASN: 0-406217), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-24 Heavy Bomber in the 506th Bombardment Squadron, 44th Bombardment Group (H), NINTH Air Force (Attached), while participating in a bombing mission on 1 August 1943, against the Ploesti Oil Refineries in Rumania. A Squadron Leader, Colonel Beam was leading his formation toward the target when subjected to intense point-blank fire from ground installations. Realizing that to take evasive action at so low an altitude would disrupt the formation and imperil the success of the mission, he held his course straight to the target and his skillful piloting and courageous perseverance made possible the successful bombing of the target. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Beam on this occasion, even when confronted with practically certain destruction, exemplified the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.