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Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Lieutenant Colonel (Field Artillery) John W. Downer, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 6th Field Artillery, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Beaumont, France, 11 March 1918. While commanding a battalion of artillery in support of an extensive raid, Colonel Downer was severely gassed. Despite his sickness and suffering from pain, he remained at his post, which was subjected to several direct hits, and directed the fire of his battalion. He rendered invaluable aid to the advancing infantry, holding his men at their posts during the intensity of the continual gas bombardment, lasting one entire night.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major (Field Artillery)

    Regiment:

    6th Field Artillery Regiment

    Division:

    1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    March 11, 1918
    Headquarters, 1st Division, A.E.F., General Orders No. 13 (March 16, 1918)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Major (Field Artillery) John W. Downer, United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Major Downer distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 6th Field Artillery, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, conducted on the 11th day of March, 1918. During the operations , this officer, although severely gassed, remained at his post, directing the firing of his battalion until so completely overcome that his removal to the hospital became necessarily.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major (Field Artillery)

    Regiment:

    16th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    World War I
    Headquarters, 1st Division, A.E.F., General Orders No. 13 (March 16, 1918)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Major (Field Artillery) William Bowers, United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Corporal Bowers distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Battery B, 16th Infantry, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action during World War I. Major Downer answered a call for a barrage in exceptionally quick time and continued in action although subjected to an extremely heavy fire.