The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Harry D. Downing (MCSN: 304271), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the First Battalion, Tenth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, from 21 to 23 November 1943. Courageous and aggressive in the performance of duty, Corporal Downing skillfully supervised the establishment of wire lines between his Artillery Battalion Fire Direction Center and forward observers during a bitter stage of the operation. Constantly exposing himself to the enemy’s shattering machine-gun and rifle fire, he labored without rest for more than thirty consecutive hours with three successive trouble-shooting crews and, by his tireless efforts and outstanding perseverance, succeeded in maintaining effective communications in the field throughout this prolonged period of bitter offensive action. By his superior ability and unwavering determination in the face of grave danger, Corporal Downing contributed materially to the success of our forces in capturing this vital hostile stronghold and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.