The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Armor), [then Second Lieutenant] Niel Bertrand Downey (ASN: 0-61717), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the 3d Reconnaissance Company, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 18 January 1951, near Kumyangjang-ni, Korea, a reconnaissance patrol was ambushed by a well dug in enemy force. During the battle, Lieutenant Downey voluntarily exposed himself to the concentrated enemy fire in order to assist many of the wounded to cover. As the patrol was withdrawing, he saw that the personnel carrier bearing the wounded men was stuck in the mud of a rice paddy and was the target of numerous enemy weapons. With disregard for his personal safety, Lieutenant Downey guided a tank to the rice paddy and exposed himself to heavy enemy fire in order to attach a tow cable to the personnel carrier. After the vehicle had been towed from the rice paddy he again braved the barrage of bullets to remove the cable. As a result of his actions a vehicle of wounded men was able to withdraw in safety. His courage and gallantry under fire are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service.