DOWNING CLINTON E

CW4 Clinton E Downing was a VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 04/19/2009 at the age of 76.5
Live Oak, FL
Flight Class 63-2
Date of Birth 11/04/1932
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with 118 AHC in 64-65, 147 ASHC in 67-68
Call signs in Vietnam BANDIT 32, HILLCLIMBER
This information was provided by Teresa Barton (daughter)

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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