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 pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Field Artillery) Harry Ellsworth Downing (ASN: 0-93673), United States Army, for gallantry In action against a hostile force while serving with Battery A, 6th Howitzer Battalion, 15th Artillery Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, on 31 October 1967. On this date, Captain Downing was serving as a battery commander when his unit was subjected to an intensive mortar and rocket attack followed by a massive human wave assault by a numerically superior Viet Cong force. Ignoring exploding shrapnel, small arms, and automatic weapons fire, Captain Downing moved from howitzer to howitzer, directing fire and encouraging his men. As the enemy assault advanced to within 100 meters of his position, he moved through fierce hostile fire to a howitzer which had sustained a direct hit. He immediately organized the evacuation of the wounded crewmembers and rallied the remaining crew to place direct fire onto the insurgents. Captain Downing personally directed the firing of over 200 rounds into the ranks of the charging enemy force. When a medical evacuation helicopter arrived over the embattled area, it was imperative that the aircraft be guided into a landing zone to pick up the wounded. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Captain Downing unhesitatingly moved through the intensive automatic weapons fire that was sweeping the area to mark the landing zone with lights. As the attack on the friendly position continued, an infantry battalion seven kilometers to the west was simultaneously engaged by the Viet Cong. In spite of the relentless enemy fire that was sweeping his unit’s position, Captain Downing supervised the firing of over 1,000 rounds of ammunition in support of the embattled infantry unit. Six casualties were sustained by his battery, but under Captain Downing’s superb leadership, the unit maintained a steady barrage of devastating supporting fire. His courageous example materially contributed to the route and defeat of the Viet Cong force. Captain Downing’s unquestionable valor in close combat against a numerically superior hostile force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.