lettow Posted October 1, 2013 Share #1 Posted October 1, 2013 This group belongs to a relative. Cpl. Downey enlisted shortly after Pearl Harbor and saw action in the Pacific with the 9th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division. In late 1944 he contracted malaria and was ordered to convalesce stateside. Instead he stowed away on the vessel transporting his unit for the invasion of Iwo Jima. On February 27, 1945, a shell from a US naval gun fell short and landed in a foxhole he was occupying killing him and three others. The Bronze Star was awarded posthumously. It was recommended by the company commander, rejected by the regimental commander but restored by the division commander. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manayunkman Posted October 1, 2013 Share #2 Posted October 1, 2013 Very nice group. Is the B.S. named ? Would love to see a picture of the whole back of it either way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack's Son Posted October 1, 2013 Share #3 Posted October 1, 2013 Very nice for sure, I'm looking forward to the research! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
History Man Posted October 1, 2013 Share #4 Posted October 1, 2013 Very nice group, do you know if they have any documentation? If the Bronze Star isn't named, there is no worry as they were rarely named...even for KIA's. Philip Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raidercollector Posted October 1, 2013 Share #5 Posted October 1, 2013 Wow Killed by friendly fire. Never seen one from Iwo. Thanks for sharing. Nick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lettow Posted October 1, 2013 Author Share #6 Posted October 1, 2013 The Bronze Star is not named. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigJohn#3RD Posted October 1, 2013 Share #7 Posted October 1, 2013 Another man who wanted to be with his fellow warriors instead of taking the easy way out. RIP CPL Downey; God Be With You and Others Like You. John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katieony Posted October 1, 2013 Share #8 Posted October 1, 2013 WWII USMC posthumous Bronze Star / Purple Heart groups are always tough to find! Thank you for posting! Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lettow Posted February 27, 2014 Author Share #9 Posted February 27, 2014 Remembering Cpl. William E. Downey who gave his life 69 years ago today on Iwo Jima. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DakotaDave Posted February 27, 2014 Share #10 Posted February 27, 2014 I reread parts of Richard F. Newcomb's "Iwo Jima" the other day, it's incredible how bad Iwo was.... here's to Cpl Downey's memory. DakotaDave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firefighter Posted February 27, 2014 Share #11 Posted February 27, 2014 Very nice and historic group.I found some info.He was with the 9th Marines/3rd Marine Division. R.I.P. Cpl Downey http://www.recordsofwar.com/iwo/dead/dead.htm http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=108242806 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lettow Posted February 27, 2015 Author Share #12 Posted February 27, 2015 Remembering my uncle on the 70th anniversary of his sacrifice on Iwo Jima. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Dentino Posted February 27, 2015 Share #13 Posted February 27, 2015 RIP Warrior.......you are not forgotten! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lettow Posted February 27, 2018 Author Share #14 Posted February 27, 2018 Re-posting the pictures on the 73rd anniversary of his passing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lettow Posted February 27, 2018 Author Share #15 Posted February 27, 2018 And a portrait that was absent from the original post. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobgee Posted February 27, 2018 Share #16 Posted February 27, 2018 R.I.P. Marine! Semper Fi.......Bobgee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lettow Posted February 27, 2020 Author Share #17 Posted February 27, 2020 Seventy-five years ago today. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
devildog34 Posted February 27, 2020 Share #18 Posted February 27, 2020 You may already have this but I figured if you did not you would likely want it. God bless him. Thank you for keeping his story alive. Semper Fidelis. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
devildog34 Posted February 27, 2020 Share #19 Posted February 27, 2020 Another card that accompanied the first reporting on him having died of his wounds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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