The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Arthur L. Downing, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane in Scouting Squadron FIVE (VS-5), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in action against enemy Japanese forces at Tulagi Harbor on 4 May 1942, and in the Battle of the Coral Sea on 7 and 8 May 1942. These attacks, vigorously and persistently pressed home in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, and on 8 May opposed also by enemy fighters, resulted in the sinking or damaging of at least eight enemy Japanese vessels at Tulagi and the sinking of one carrier and the sinking or severe damaging of another in the Coral Sea. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Downing’s conscientious devotion to duty and gallant self-command against formidable odds were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Cross to Captain (then Lieutenant Commander] Arthur L. Downing, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron FOURTEEN (VB-14), attached to the U.S.S. WASP (CV-18), while serving as Leader of a strike group of Fighter, Dive Bomber and Torpedo Planes in the vicinity of the Philippine Islands, on 25 October 1944. In the course of this strike, several battleships were either sunk or severely damaged. as Pilot of the leading dive-bombing airplane, he attacked one of the most powerful enemy battleships. In spite of extremely anti-aircraft fire from every kind of weapon, he deliberately pressed his attack to an extraordinarily low level before releasing his bombs, both of which were direct hits in a vulnerable spot. This accurate and aggressive bombing silenced fire from the forward part of the ship and permitted following Torpedo Planes to press home their attacks with comparative impunity. Furthermore, it inspired his wingmen to follow him down to the same low altitude and secure one additional sure and one probable direct hit. While returning from this highly successful mission, he shot down in flames an enemy seaplane. By his courageous leadership and example, he contributed greatly to the severe damage and destruction inflicted upon a major enemy surface force. His fortitude, coolness and skill were an inspiration to all with whom he served and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Arthur L. Downing, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane in Scouting Squadron FIVE (VS-5), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in action against enemy Japanese forces near Salamaua and Lae, New Guinea, on 10 March 1942. In the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Downing dived and skillfully attacked one of three Japanese aircraft tenders or transports and obtained a direct hit on one of the hostile vessels. By his superb airmanship and outstanding courage he contributed to the destruction of the three enemy ships and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.