The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Henry Eric Dowling (ASN: RA-30001411), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company I, 3d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 19 December 1950, near Hungnam, Korea, Corporal Dowling was manning a recoilless rifle in a sector of the defensive perimeter. The determined enemy launched an all-out attack upon this sector of the perimeter. With complete disregard for the constant enemy fire directed at his position, Corporal Dowling stayed with his recoilless rifle and fired point blank into the enemy ranks. When the advancing enemy overran his positions, he fought them in hand-to-hand combat until fatally wounded. The heroism and gallantry of Corporal Dowling helped to prevent an enemy breakthrough and reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.