For extraordinary heroism while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company E, Second Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. During the early morning hours of 10 August 1969, while occupying a night defensive position near the Demilitarized Zone in Quang Tri Province, First Lieutenant DeVries’s platoon came under a ground attack by a North Vietnamese Army company reinforced by sappers utilizing automatic weapons fire, rocket-propelled grenades, and satchel charges. During the initial moments of the assault, the momentum of the enemy movement enabled the hostile soldiers to penetrate a portion of the Marines’ defensive perimeter. Reacting instantly to this threat, First Lieutenant DeVries ran across the fire-swept terrain to the point of heaviest contact and, shouting directions to the Marines there, skillfully realigned the defensive perimeter in such a way that the North Vietnamese Army soldiers were again outside the friendly lines. Completely disregarding his own safety, First Lieutenant DeVries then moved from one Marine position to another to encourage his men and to insure that every possible avenue of enemy approach was adequately covered with firepower. While rushing across the hazardous area to counter a new threat, First Lieutenant DeVries was severely wounded by fragments from a rocket-propelled grenade which impacted near him. Refusing medical attention, he directed a vigorous defense of the perimeter, personally accounting for five enemy casualties. He then moved to a dangerously exposed vantage point and, heedless of the rounds impacting around him, skillfully adjusted supporting Marine artillery fire with such accuracy that the North Vietnamese Army force lost the advantage of its numerical superiority and retreated. His heroic and determined actions over a prolonged period of time were instrumental in minimizing Marine casualties and turning a potential disaster into a resounding victory. By his courage, dynamic leadership, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, First Lieutenant DeVries upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

DeVries lives with his wife, Cheryl Ann, in Grandville, MI. His membership in the Legion of Valor was sponsored by Jum Coolican, NC.