The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Specialist Fourth Class Arthur L. Dowding (ASN: RA-11974342), United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 19 August 1968 while serving as a Medical Aid Man with Troop G, 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Troop G was conducting a reconnaissance in force mission in a rubber plantation near the village of Loc Ninh when it was suddenly struck by an intense volume of small arms, automatic weapons and anti-tank rocket fire from well-entrenched North Vietnamese Army elements. In the initial burst of fire, the medical vehicle in which Specialist Dowd was riding received a direct hit from an anti-tank rocket, severely wounding him. Ignoring his painful wounds, Specialist Dowding immediately dismounted his vehicle and dashed through the intense enemy fire to the other vehicles which had been hit by the hostile fire. He administered first aid until he was physically unable to carry on and was evacuated. After having his wounds treated, Specialist Dowding struggled to his feet and assisted in treating casualties at the rear station until all of the wounded had received medical care. Specialist Fourth Class Dowding’s unwavering devotion to duty, disregard of personal safety and deep concern for the welfare of his comrades in arms were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.