Marion G. Mcdowell

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Marion G. McDowell (36049932), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Company L, 275th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division, on 22 February 1945, in the Pfaffen Wald Forest, France. After he had courageously moved his bazooka team into position to attack approaching enemy tanks, a direct hit from an enemy tank instantly killed the two bazooka men and shattered Sergeant McDowell’s left arm. He had withdrawn to cover and was working his way to the rear when he observed a wounded comrade who lay still exposed to the murderous tank fire. Hampered by his wounds, which had rendered his left arm completely useless, he braved direct fire from the tanks to move to the wounded man and drag him to safety. Later, his shattered arm still unattended, he assisted a group of walking wounded to the aid station.