Private First Class William “Chip” E. Dowd, 72, passed away in the Syracuse VA Community Living Center on April 10, 2018. PFC Dowd was a decorated Airborne Vietnam Veteran and recipient of the Bronze Star for his heroic service during combat.
Chip was born on January 16, 1947 to Elaine and Thomas Dowd of Newport, Rhode Island. He enlisted in the United States Army on October 1966 and became an 11B, airborne infantry mortar man. PFC Dowd was deployed to Vietnam during 1966 to 1969.
During his combat tour, PFC Dowd fought courageously during the Battle of LZ Bird and was wounded on multiple occasions throughout his time in Vietnam. Throughout his army career he was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Parachute Wings, Combat Infantry Badge, National Defense Service Badge and the Bronze Star for his heroic service. PFC Dowd was honorably discharged in February of 1972.
After his military career he owned and operated Dowd Quality Painting in Carver, Massachusetts and eventually retired in Unity, Maine.
After a series of health problems, Chip was lovingly “dadnapped” from Maine, by his son, Marc E. Dowd and brought to Fort Drum, New York to be cared for. In New York, Chip enjoyed his beer, barbeques, relaxing on the front porch, watching football games, and vacations with his son, grandson, and daughter-in-law.
PFC William E. Dowd is survived by his sister, Edith “Cookie” Donnelly of Newport, Rhode Island; his son, Marc E. Dowd and his grandson, Marc E. Dowd Jr. He is preceded in death by his parents, Elaine and Thomas and his brother, Tom.
A Viewing will take place at Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home at 40 MacArthur Blvd, Bourne, MA, 02532 on Wednesday April 25, 2018 between the hours of 11am to 2pm and 4pm to 7pm. The burial will take place on Thursday April 26, 2018 at 1pm at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Connery Avenue, Bourne, MA, 02532.
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