134th Infantry Regiment Website
"All Hell Can't Stop Us"
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134th Infantry Regiment Website"All Hell Can't Stop Us" |
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William Michael McDowell, son of Peter John and Margaret Ann (McGrath) McDowell, was born November 14, 1920 in New York, New York. He was a member of the New York National Guard and registered for the draft February 15, 1942. He was inducted into the Army August 9, 1943, served as an Aid Man in the Medical Detachment, 320th Infantry Regiment, and landed at Omaha Beach in Normandy France July 6, 1944. Pvt William M McDowell was killed in action July 18, 1944 in the vicinity of St Lo, France. He was awarded the Silver Star Medal for gallantry during the battle in which he died. He is buried at Long Island National Cemetery, East Farmingdale, New York.
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Silver Star Medal Citation |
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Private William M McDowell, 32996613, Medical Department, United States Army, for gallantry in action, in the vicinity of * * * , Normandy, France, on 18 July 1944. Private McDowell, an aid man attached to Company L, 320th Infantry, went forward with complete disregard for personal safety, to treat and evacuate eight soldiers wounded during an intense enemy artillery and mortar barrage. After completing his mission of caring for his wounded comrades, Private McDowell was mortally wounded by shell fragments. By placing the welfare of others above his own life, Private McDowell set an example of devotion to duty that reflects the highest credit upon himself and upon the Medical Department of the Army. Entered military service from New York. General Orders No. 44, Headquarters 35th Infantry Division, 16 October 1944 |
