The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Infantry) Edward J. Downs (ASN: 0-1061038), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of an Infantry Company of the 3d Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 8th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 14 April 1945, at Schwelm, Germany. Leading his platoon in an attack against heavy enemy opposition, Captain Downs spotted a group of Germans, armed with bazookas, entering a house just as the battalion tanks were starting down the street. Knowing that the enemy would easily be able to knock out the tanks, block the road, and delay the attack, he immediately began to warn the tank operators. Moving forward quickly through the hostile fire to the lead tank and exposing himself to the heavy enemy fire now concentrated on him, he successfully warned the tankmen of the trap. Severely wounded by an enemy shell during this heroic action, in which he helped the lead tank to spot and destroy the house harboring the enemy, Captain Downs prevented the loss of any tanks in the column and enabled the battalion to proceed to its important attack objective. Captain Downs’ outstanding leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 8th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.