Butte VA Clinic renamed in honor of the incredible Charlie Dowd

On Friday afternoon at the Butte VA Clinic, Senator Steve Daines, Representative Ryan Zinke along with administrators, veterans, citizens and their families gathered as the clinic was officially renamed the Charlie Dowd VA Clinic.

As noted by Montana VA Executive Director Duane Hill during his opening remarks, renaming a VA Clinic is no easy feat.  It literally requires an act of Congress.  It got it due to the incredible acts of bravery and valor displayed many times by Radioman 3rd Class Charles "Charlie" Arthur Dowd, Sr.  Dowd was the last surviving Pearl Harbor veteran in Montana but that is not what he will be remembered for.  During the attack by over 300 enemy aircraft on Pearl Harbor on the night of December 7th, 1941, which would claim the lives of 2,400 Americans, Dowd fought back.  Emerging from the wreckage in only a t shirt and trousers, Dowd secured a weapon and a fighting position, firing directly at the pilots of low-flying torpedo bombers.  This was one of many acts of bravery that would earn him the nickname "Devil Dog Dowd" and ultimately his name on the front of the VA Clinic.

Representative Ryan Zinke, a Navy SEAL himself, recounted meeting the late Dowd who passed away on St. Patrick's Day of 2023 at the age of 99 and noted his incredible physique and mental acuteness, being able to fit into his old uniform and even communicate in Morse Code if need be.

Senator Steve Daines, who championed the bill to rename the center had high praise for Dowd and his family.  "Charlie was a brave sailor and a hero," Daines said.  "He was never afraid to share his stories, always wanting to pass on the legacy of the Greatest Generation. On behalf of a grateful nation, today we honor Charlie’s courage and service to our country. We thank his family for sharing him with us."

The ceremony concluded as the building's beautiful new bronze plaque was unveiled, and the American Flag was raised by members of the American Legion.