Bill to Honor Montana World War II Hero Charlie Dowd Heads to President's Desk for Signature

Washington, D.C. - 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, which means 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, damaging 21 ships and claiming the lives of 2,400 Americans. Charlie, in a t-shirt and trousers sprinted from the barracks to the armory, where he climbed to the roof to fire at the Japanese enemy aircraft, namely low-flying torpedo bombers. Through his act of bravery and continued service in the Navy in both the Solomon Islands and New Guinea, he garnered the nickname of “Devil Dog Dowd”, by his shipmates for his unwavering willingness to volunteer for the most dangerous mission assignments. 

After Charlie received an honorable discharge from the Navy along with seven Bronze Star Medals, he became a respected member of the Anaconda, Montana community. He was known for his advocacy for his fellow veterans, was dedicated to preserving the memory of the events of World War II and was an active member of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association and loved speaking for civic groups and museums across Montana. Additionally, Charlie had an active role in the community as both 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. Listening to Dowd recount his experiences from Pearl Harbor and the South Pacific and watching him tap on the table to the Morse Code he sent as a radioman will always be one of my most meaningful visits and lasting memories,” Congressman Ryan Zinke said. “Renaming the clinic after this American and community Hero will serve as a reminder of the life of service and commitment to patriotism Charlie Dowd lived 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 the greatest country on earth,” said Senator Tester, Chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “Charlie was one of Montana’s very best, and naming the new Butte VA Clinic in his honor ensures his legacy and that of the entire Greatest Generation is never forgotten. It’s a fitting honor for a clinic that serves thousands of Butte-Silver Bow veterans, and I urge the President to sign our bill into law without delay.”

Renaming the Butte VA clinic will ensure that Charlie Dowd's legacy of bravery and lifelong commitment to his country, fellow veterans, and community lives on forever.

After Dowd’s passing in March 2023, Zinke honored Dowd in the Congressional Record. Read the issue here. 

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