The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Medical Corps) Thomas P. Downey (ASN: 0-367933), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as a Medical Officer with Headquarters, 3d Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Manila, Philippine Islands, on 5 February 1945. On that date, an Infantry battalion suffered many casualties while fighting amidst great fires raging in the city. Captain Downey, the Battalion Surgeon, courageously established a forward aid station in the area, and displayed outstanding efficiency in directing the evacuation of the injured. Working with limited supplies and personnel under a dim oil lamp, he treated the seriously wounded on the spot and commandeered all available vehicles for evacuation purposes. When transportation was exhausted, he pressed Infantrymen into service to carry the casualties on improvised litters. He was continually exposed to hostile fire, and on one occasion a bullet passed through his trouser leg. Captain Downey’s extreme devotion to duty, as well as his cool and efficient handling of the entire situation under the most adverse of conditions, made possible the successful evacuation of all the wounded men from the area of the burned buildings. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.