Glacier Country News

Today, the US House of Representatives passed Congressman Ryan Zinke's bill to rename the Butte Veterans Affairs (VA) clinic after Montana Pearl Harbor hero, U.S. Navy Radioman Charlie Dowd. The companion legislation sponsored by Montana Senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines passed the Senate in May, meaning it is headed to President Biden's desk for signature. The bill passed under suspension, with unanimous consent of the House.

The community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veteran Affairs in Butte, Montana will soon be known as the "Charlie Dowd Department of Veteran Affairs Clinic."

Charlie Dowd enlisted in the U.S. Navy in January 1941 and served as a radioman at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii during the infamous attack on December 7, 1941, which damaged 21 ships and claimed the lives of 2,400 Americans. Charlie sprinted from the barracks to the armory, where he climbed to the roof to fire at Japanese enemy aircraft. Through his bravery and continued service in both the Solomon Islands and New Guinea, he garnered the nickname “Devil Dog Dowd” from his shipmates for his willingness to volunteer for dangerous missions.

After receiving an honorable discharge from the Navy along with seven Bronze Star Medals, Dowd became a respected member of Anaconda, Montana. He was known for advocating for fellow veterans and preserving World War II memories. He was an active member of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association and frequently spoke at civic groups and museums across Montana. Additionally, he contributed as a sportsman and Outdoor Writer for the Anaconda Leader newspaper.

“Radioman Dowd is a true example of a man who loved his community and his country and lived every day to serve both," said Congressman Ryan Zinke. "Renaming the clinic after this American and community hero will serve as a reminder of Charlie Dowd’s life of service and commitment to patriotism that we can all look up to. I urge President Biden to sign this bill into law immediately.”

“Charlie Dowd was a Montana hero who fought with outstanding bravery in World War II and dedicated his life to advocating for veterans,” said Senator Steve Daines. “I applaud the U.S. House of Representatives for passing S. 2385, which will continue Charlie Dowd’s legacy as a patriot and defender of freedom by renaming the VA facility in his honor.”

“Charlie Dowd’s extraordinary courage at Pearl Harbor and exemplary service is what makes America great,” said Senator Tester, Chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “Naming the new Butte VA Clinic in his honor ensures his legacy is never forgotten.”

Renaming the Butte VA clinic will ensure that Charlie Dowd's legacy lives on forever.

After Dowd’s passing in March 2023, Zinke honored him in the Congressional Record.

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