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Classic Wings Magazine WWII Naval Aviation Research Pacific Luftwaffe Resource Center
When Hollywood Ruled The Skies - Volumes 1 through 4 by Bruce Oriss


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The Inspector
PostPosted: Wed Sep 30, 2009 1:20 am 
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I just learned that my dear old Dad, William R. Downing passed away this evening @ 18:30 9/29/09.
Dad was closing in on 93 and had a good long run at it. He was a code specialist @ Pearl Harbor during WW2 in the Navy and never could really tell anyone what he did, but once he admitted to having something to do with parts of Purple Code breaking. He was no sort of war hero except to me and Mom. He imbued me with the traits of honor, humbleness, courtesy, curiosity, self pride (within limits), self respect, and the desire to always try to finish whatever I'd started good or bad. I just hope I've lived up to his standards-a good man who is missed by me, his grandkids and his great grandkids

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Fouga23
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PostPosted: Wed Sep 30, 2009 2:17 am 
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EXPAT0149
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He was a hero <s>
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Punisher05
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PostPosted: Wed Sep 30, 2009 3:23 am 
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That's MOST affirm. Godspeed...

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tex-fan
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kind of sounds like my Dad, that make him a Hero to me and your family. God bless you and yours as you celebrate his life and mourn his passing.
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APG85
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A salute to your dad. God bless.

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RyanShort1
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Wow. Sad to hear that, but glad he was able to live a long life and have the respect of his family! My condolences.

Ryan

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Holedigger
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PostPosted: Wed Sep 30, 2009 7:39 am 
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Condolences and God Bless you and your family in your sorrows. Hero is not a word I throw around lightly, I KNOW it bothers most vets to be called that, but he SERVED with HONOR, doing a job that helped to win the war and thus saving many more lives.

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Robbie Stuart
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I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Thank God for men like him, The Greatest Generation. Please accept my condolences. Godspeed to your Dad.
Robbie

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the330thbg
PostPosted: Wed Sep 30, 2009 8:59 am 
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The Inspector wrote:
...,He imbued me with the traits of honor, humbleness, courtesy, curiosity, self pride (within limits), self respect, and the desire to always try to finish whatever I'd started good or bad. I just hope I've lived up to his standards-a good man who is missed by me, his grandkids and his great grandkids


Good Grief, I only wish after I die that someone in my family would say half the things you just said about your Dad.

My father always said about war heroes.., 'they are the ones who did not come back'. Well, your father made it back and instilled the best of character into his children and grandchildren. What the HECK else can you ask for???

Fine tribute for a fine man!

Warmest regards,

Smisek and the 330th.org!

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Second Air Force
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PostPosted: Wed Sep 30, 2009 9:07 am 
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Our condolences,

Scott and Ellen
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mtpopejoy
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Our condolences from the Popejoy family. Your Father made it possible for us to live free.
Regards,
Mark

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Hal B
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PostPosted: Wed Sep 30, 2009 9:31 am 
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Sorry for your loss Inspector. God Bless

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Jesse C.
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My Heartfelt Condolences and Sympathies to you and yours.

Vaya con Dios.

Jesse Chavez
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Ztex
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PostPosted: Wed Sep 30, 2009 10:13 am 
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Sorry to hear this news Bill. It's never easy.

Our prayers are with you and your family.
Z

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