The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Infantry), [then Captain) Donald E. Downard (ASN: 0-337097), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Sicily, on 22 July 1943. Major Downard led a motorized patrol to ***** and, after making a reconnaissance, called for the Battalion to move up. He proceeded ahead to a point where he was brought under enemy artillery fire. After requesting support from the Cannon Company, he placed himself in a position to direct the fire which destroyed three enemy guns and forced their crews to retreat, thus permitting his regiment to advance. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Downard, 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.