The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Joseph V. Dowd (ASN: 42046687), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the *** Engineer Combat Battalion, XII Corps, in action against an armed enemy on 24 November 1944, in France. Corporal Dowd’s platoon was building a vital 100-foot Bailey Bridge over a demolished bridge near Kappelkinger, France, when, shortly before daylight, the enemy concentrated a heavy artillery barrage on the bridge site. Work continued immediately, however, until daybreak at which time the fire became so intense and accurate that the working party was ordered off the bridge to shelter. Corporal Dowd was repeatedly the first man to return to the bridge, and on three separate occasions worked alone on the bridge until driven off by artillery hits within 50 yards of the bridge. When the bridge was finally completed at 0900 hours, a close miss from enemy artillery blew one bay of ramp off the far shore and off the bridge, and after orders had been issued to evacuate the working party, volunteers were asked for to remain and repair the damaged portion of the bridge. Corporal Dowd was the first man to volunteer for this hazardous mission. Corporal Dowd by his outstanding courage, his indomitable will to complete his mission in spite of intense enemy fire, and his great devotion to duty, was an exemplary inspiration to his fellow soldiers and through his efforts, a vital bridge was successfully accomplished. His courageous actions reflect the greatest credit upon himself, the Corps of Engineers, and the Armed Forces of the United States.