Gerald D. Downing
Private First Class, U.S. Army

On 29 September 1944, Private First Class Gerald D. Downing was serving with the 320th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, Third U.S. Army.

On that day, PFC Downing's unit was in action against German forces near Chambrey, France. PFC Downing's courageous actions and extraordinary heroism that day, at the cost of his life, earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

PFC Downing died of his wounds on 1 October 1944.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart
Army Good Conduct Medal
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 2 Bronze Stars
World War II Victory Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation (Synopsis)

Private First Class Gerald D. Downing (ASN: 33750843), United States Army, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 320th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 29 September 1944. Private First Class Downing's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 35th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, Third U.S. Army, General Orders No. 114 (1944)

Burial

Private First Class Gerald D. Downing is buried at the Lorraine American Cemetery and Memorial in Saint-Avold, Departement de la Moselle, Lorraine, France, in Plot C, Row 10, Grave 17.

https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=56654537