The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Hospitalman Third Class Fred Y. Dowding, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a Medical Corpsman with a Marine Infantry Company of the FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in Korea, on 3 February 1953. Hospital Corpsman Third Class Dowding displayed outstanding courage, initiative and devotion to duty. He volunteered to serve with a support and evacuation team directed to aid a company-size raiding party assigned the extremely hazardous mission of attacking a strongly fortified hostile position. As the platoon moved forward to a point at the base of the objective, casualties were sustained immediately. Expressing complete disregard for his personal safety, he gallantly exposed himself to murderous enemy artillery, mortar and small arms fire for a period of four hours in order to render medical aid to numerous seriously injured men. Exhibiting remarkable courage, he dauntlessly moved from one position to another traversing the entire hostile area locating wounded, treating casualties and skillfully supervising their evacuation. He worked tirelessly and courageously under the withering hostile fire in order to carry his stricken comrades to what little cover was available. His intrepid efforts did not cease until every wounded Marine had been evacuated from the devastated area and all of the dead had been recovered. After skillfully discharging his responsibilities which were instrumental in saving numerous lives, he was the last man to leave the area which was still being subjected to heavy enemy fire. Hospital Corpsman Third Class Dowding’s gallant and courageous actions combined with his indomitable spirit served as an inspiration to all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.