John W. Downer

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.

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John W. Downer, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Beaumont, France, March 11, 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.