The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Lawrence Anthony Dowling (ASN: 0-1302955), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 6th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near *****, on 17 January 1945. When his rifle platoon was committed as the assault platoon against a steep ridge which was held by the enemy, Lieutenant Dowling led his men in the face of intense enemy fire to a point fromwhich further progress was impossible. On his own initiative, he then led a flanking attack which neutralized the enemy fire. It was while skillfully maneuvering and placing his men in position, that he was killed by sniper fire. First Lieutenant Dowling’s outstanding courage was a great inspiration to his men, and his gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.