The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Major (Infantry) John Dowdy (ASN: 0-378954), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with as Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, 22d Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces during an attack west of Quinneville, France, on 15 June 1944. On that date, fierce artillery, machinegun, mortar and small arms fire inflicted heavy casualties upon Lieutenant Colonel Dowdy’s command as it attacked high ground. One assault company, having lost all of its officers and most of its key non-commissioned officers, became completely demoralized; withdrawal was imminent. Friendly tanks operating in support of the attack began to retreat. Realizing that his entire command was threatened with annihilation, Lieutenant Colonel Dowdy, disregarding completely his own safety, moved afoot through a hail of fire and personally directed the fire of the tanks upon the enemy. Courageously he proceeded forward unfalteringly to the forward elements of his command. While under fire, he organized them for an attack. Lieutenant Colonel Dowdy’s exemplary actions spearheaded a devastating assault, which resulted in the capture of the strongly fortified position and more than 100 prisoners.