Montana's Congressional Delegation Joins to Honor Charlie Dowd, Montana's Last Pearl Harbor Survivor
They campaign to change name of Butte VA clinic to the Charlie Dowd VA Clinic
By Denise Rivette
Working together, Montana’s Senator Steve Daines and Representative Ryan Zinke along with Senator Jon Tester and Representative Matt Rosendale today wrote a letter to their Senate and House leadership in support of legislation to honor Montana’s last Pearl Harbor survivor by renaming Butte’s VA clinic to the Charlie Dowd VA Clinic. Charlie Dowd passed away in March 2023. The Senate bill to accomplish the renaming was introduced by Steve Daines on November 9, 2023. On January 30, 2024, Congressman Ryan Zinke introduced the companion bill in the House.
In their letter to congressional leaders the four wrote:
“We write to you today in support of S. 2385, a bill to rename the VA Outpatient Clinic in Butte, Montana, to the “Charlie Dowd VA Clinic” – out of remembrance to Montana’s last Pearl Harbor Survivor who unfortunately passed away in March 2023.
“Charlie fought valiantly at Pearl Harbor—emerging from the barracks in only his night clothes, grabbing a Springfield rifle, and attempting to down the attacking enemy aircraft. After Pearl Harbor, Charlie continued a distinguished career in the U.S. Navy, serving in the Solomon Islands and New Guinea, earning seven Bronze Star Medals.
“Upon leaving military service, Charlie would go on to start a family and build a successful career in Montana. He remained committed to caring for his fellow veterans as an active member of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association. He was dedicated to preserving the memory of World War II and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom. Charlie was a true patriot whose legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of all who knew him.
“While we can never fully repay Charlie’s service to our state and this country, renaming this VA facility in Butte in his honor would be a step in the right direction.”
You can read the entire letter HERE.
You can read the Senate bill introduced by Daines HERE.
You can read the House bill introduced by Zinke HERE.