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 (Infantry) Donald C. Downen (ASN: 0-401891), United States Army, for gallantry in action at New Georgia, Solomon Islands, on 3 August 1943. In a position well forward Captain Downen set up a machine gun to fire thereby disrupting the enemy’s artillery fire, and then he aggressively led his company in an attack, capturing four hostile 75-mm. dual-purpose guns. During this action thirty-five of the enemy were killed.