The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Samuel T. McDowell (ASN: 0-282467), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 9 July 1944, in France. Lieutenant Colonel McDowell was serving as Commanding Officer of an Infantry Battalion which was ordered to withdraw and be bypassed by a relief battalion. During the relieve, a severe enemy counterattack was launched and enemy infantry infiltrated around the flanks and to the rear. Lieutenant Colonel McDowell, realizing the danger, directed operations from a continually exposed position. When enemy tanks penetrated to within one hundred yards of his forward command post, he neither ordered a withdrawal nor withdrew himself, instead he personally directed artillery on the onrushing Germans and at one time ordered the artillery to fire upon a target unreasonably close to his own position, thereby endangering his own life. Although this enemy thrust lasted for four hours, Lieutenant Colonel McDowell remained cool, and by his inspiring leadership and personal bravery prevented a possible rout and heavier casualties. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel McDowell, 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.