More detail on this person: CW4 Clinton E. Downing (retired) of Live Oak, Florida passed away
peacefully in his sleep Saturday, April 18, 2009 after an extended illness. He was preceded in death
by his beloved wife Norma Jean and one step daughter. He is survived by his three children, one step
daughter, one brother, one sister and several nephews and cousins. He also is survived by his
ex-wife Jacquie Potter (Robert) and 20 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren and two more on the way.
Mr. Downing served his country in the U.S. Army for 27 years which also included flying helicopters
on two different tours in Vietnam. His first tour was with the 118th Assault Helicopter Company
"Thunderbirds" in 64-65 flying
combat missions. In 1966, he served as a helicopter instructor pilot at Ft. Rucker, Alabama training
other aviators to serve in the conflict. He served a second tour in Vietnam during 67-68 in the
147th Assault Support Helicopter Company "Hill Climbers" flying into combat situations to pick up
the wounded and to extract "at risk" American soldiers to move to a better strategic location,
saving countless lives. Some of his many decorations for his service include the Air Medal with 20
OLC, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with SS, the National
Defense Service Medal 1 OLC, the Presidential Service Badge, the Master Army Aviator's Badge, the
Meritorious Service Medal and the Legion Merit medal. He then went on to fly dignitaries and Heads
of State in Europe from
1968-1971.
He was very honored in 1971 to be chosen as a pilot on Army One, flying President Nixon and
President Ford. He ended his military career at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii in October 1980. He has
been living in Live Oak for the past 20 years where he has passionately pursued his love of golf
with good buddies (Our Gang) at the Suwannee County Country Club.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the American Heart Association, the
Kidney Foundation or the building fund of his beloved church at this address: Westwood Baptist,
Attn. BUILDING FUND in memory of Clinton E. Downing, Sr.
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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Date posted on this site: 08/31/2024
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