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: 05/13/2023
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