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 Private First Class Charles W. McDowell, Jr. (ASN: RA-14313030), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy on 29 and 30 November 1950, while serving with Company M, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, near P-Yosa-San, Korea. While his unit was being attacked by a numerically superior enemy, Private McDowell, one-quarter ton vehicle driver, with utter disregard of his own life, volunteered as a replacement as a machine gunner in another vehicle when he had learned the regular gunner had been killed. Private McDowell, with a brilliant display of cool calmness and skill, operated the gun and inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy until the counterattack order was given. Returning to his own vehicle, that also mounted a machine gun, he drove forward with the advancing troops, although constantly exposed to the hazardous mortar and automatic weapons fire, and courageously continued to drive his vehicle until he was mortally wounded. His selfless behavior and conspicuous devotion to duty greatly contributed to the successful completion of his unit’s mission. Private McDowell’s gallant actions reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.