Navy Federal Credit Union

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Private First Class Gerald D. Downing (ASN: 33750843), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 320th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in the Foret de Grimmecy, France, on 29 September 1944. Private First Class Downing’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 35th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    3rd Battalion

    Regiment:

    320th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    35th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 29, 1944

    Headquarters, THIRD U.S. Army, General Orders No. 114 (December 21, 1944)

    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 Private First Class Gerald D. Downing (ASN: 33750843), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company L, 3rd Battalion, 320th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in the Foret de Grimmecy, France, on 29 September 1944. On that date the company with which Private First Class Downing was serving as a rifleman was advancing against the enemy through the Foret de Grimmecy, France. When heavy enemy machine gun and small arms fire halted the advance of the company, Private First Class Downing, having detected the position of one of the concealed enemy guys by the muzzle blast, crept forward to silence it. When he reached a point near the gun position, he rose slightly to throw a grenade but was mortally wounded by a burst of machine pistol fire. Despite his wounds, he valiantly rose again and threw the grenade. Then, summoning the last bit of strength he got to his feet and closed in to kill the remainder of the gun crew before he collapsed from loss of blood. Private First Class Downing’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 35th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.