Devtun sends us the sad news that Navy Lt. Jim Downing, the second-oldest Pearl Harbor survivor, has passed at the tender age of 104.
Armed with a fire hose, Downing sprayed saltwater on ammunition stored on the deck to prevent further explosions.
He also undertook a more personal mission.
Downing was the West Virginia’s mail clerk, and he knew most of the 1,400 sailors aboard.
As he spotted the bodies of some of the 105 men killed on the West Virginia, he committed their names to memory. Some were recognizable. For others, he had to check identification tags.
“I went around memorizing as many as I could with the intention of writing their parents,” he said.
After the attack, Downing wrote to as many families as he could, relaying his belief that the sailors killed in the attack were heroes.
Downing remained on USS West Virginia, a Colorado-class battleship, which participated in the battles of Leyte, Iwo Jima and Okinawa after she was repaired and up-gunned. Downing was commissioned after the war and remained in the Navy through the Korean War.
RIP, Brother, RIP.
Another great American Hero.
Thank you and Godspeed to you Sir!
RIP Sir, and Godspeed. The sunrise in Colorado was a little dimmer today without you.
May God Bless you good Sir! My deepest condolences to you and your family. You Sir, are a true Hero! I only wish we had more like you! RIP Sir, you have earned your time in Heaven!
Fair winds and following seas, Lieutenant.
Fair Winds and Following Seas El-Tee.
A man among men.
*Hand Salute*. Ready, Two.
May he reach Fiddler’s Green at the end of the path.
•Sings somberly from The Navy Hymn•
O Trinity of love and power!
Our brethren shield in danger’s hour;
From rock and tempest, fire and foe,
Protect them wheresoe’er they go;
Thus evermore shall rise to Thee
Glad hymns of praise from land and sea.
Thank you for the beautiful hymn tribute, Dog. May our nation always honor the courageous and sacrifical service, above and beyond the call of duty, of Lt. Downing and those like him. Thank you, Sir.
May God comfort his family as He welcomes him into his Heavenly home.
Rest In Peace Sir, you’ve earned your place in History and Valhalla.
This is what a good man looks like.
Rest in Peace.
Rest in peace Sir.
Tough as nails, man!
Rest in peace, sir.
Hooyah Sir.
104 years old, Veteran of two wars. This man LIVED!
And so passeth from us, a hero. Rest in Eternal Peace Jim Downing.
A hero indeed. I knew him pretty well. A devout Christian, strong and compassionate lay leader in the church and the Navigators ministry. He touched many many thousands, if not a million+ lives for the good.
A special breed of warrior. God bless you, shipmate.
…that we should all live so long, and do so well….
Fair winds and following seas, Lieutenant.