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By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), First Lieutenant (Infantry) Harold K. Downe, United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. First Lieutenant Downe distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Mezy, France, 15 July 1918, while on duty as gas officer.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    30th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 15, 1918
    Headquarters, 3d Division, A.E.F., Citation Orders No. 22 (July 8, 1919)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), First Lieutenant (Infantry) Harold K. Downe, United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the World War I Victory Medals awarded him. While serving as Gas Officer of the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, during the German thrust across the Marine on 15 July 1918, near Mezy, France, Lieutenant Downe without regard for his own personal safety made frequent visits during the darkness to his observation and sentry posts which were located in a woods filled with gas and under a terrific bombardment, thus furnishing his Battalion Commander with valuable information. He encouraged his men by his presence and advice and there being no medical officer present, he assisted in the care for the wounded in addition to his other duties and succeeded in saving the lives of many men.