Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) George E. Downie (ASN: 0-2212072), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company D, 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action near Chin-nampo, Korea, on 18 October 1950. During the night advance of his company towards the city he observed an enemy vehicle approaching the flank of the column. Deploying his men he attempted to capture the vehicle, when other enemy vehicles approached and commenced a vicious fire fight. He remained in an exposed position until his men had gained the relative safety of the far side of the road. Lieutenant Downie directed the fire of his weapons from his exposed position in spite of the enemy’s concentration of all weapons in the immediate area. His directed fire was so effective that the enemy was soon routed with heavy casualties and the loss of much equipment. Lieutenant Downie’s gallant action secured the flank of the column, permitted its continued advance and reflect the greatest credit upon himself and the United States Infantry.

Awards Received

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Korean War)

    Action Date:

    January 1, 1951 – February 10, 1951

    NARA Database: Repatriated Korean Conflict Prisoners of War, 7/5/1950 – 10/6/1954

    First Lieutenant (Infantry) George E. Downie (ASN: 0-2212072), United States Army, was held as a Prisoner of War after he was captured during the Korean War on 1 January 1951 and was held until he was returned to U.S. Military control on 10 February 1951.