DeLandite honored at WWII exhibit opening

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAPT. CHUCK DOWNEY
The greatest generation — Capt. Chuck Downey of DeLand, left, chats with Tom Brokaw. Journalist and author Brokaw was master of ceremonies at the Jan. 12 grand opening of The United States Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. Because of his experiences as a World War II pilot, Downey was invited to attend to represent the Navy.

BEACON PHOTO/SARAHROSE MINISTERI
Proud captain — Capt. Chuck Downey visits The Beacon office after his return from representing the Navy at the Jan. 12 grand opening of The United States Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. Downey showed us his signed copy of Tom Brokaw’s book The Greatest Generation and photos of planes he flew during the war.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAPT. CHUCK DOWNEY
In his Navy days — Capt. Chuck Downey, far left, is pictured with other Navy pilots during World War II.

BEACON PHOTO/SARAHROSE MINISTERI
In uniform — Capt. Chuck Downey is shown during his days as a Navy pilot.

By Sarahrose Ministeri
Beacon staff writer

posted Jan 25, 2013 - 7:19:34am

DeLandite Chuck Downey, a retired Navy captain, was recently honored with an invitation to participate in the grand opening of The United States Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center.

The exhibit is the latest addition to the campus of the National World War II Museum in New Orleans.

Originally from Chicago and a pilot for 70 years, Downey moved to DeLand four years ago. He was the youngest aviator to fly for the Navy during World War II. Downey’s military career lasted 33 years.

During the war, Downey flew an SBD Douglas Dauntless, similar to the plane depicted in Courtney Canova’s mural in the 100 block of West New York Avenue in Downtown DeLand.

Downey traveled to New Orleans to represent the Navy at the Boeing exhibit as a real-life example of a pilot who flew the SBD Douglas Dauntless.

The Jan. 12 event featured artifacts and special guests, like Downey, who represented all

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The master of ceremonies was journalist and author Tom Brokaw, whose book The Greatest Generation is a salute to those who fought in World War II.

“It was an excellent party,” Downey said.

Downey was also pleased with his date for the museum dedication. His daughter Karen Lunceford of Durango, Colo., flew in to take her dad’s arm at the prestigious affair.

Downey and his wife, who has died, have five children and eight grandchildren.

— sarahrose@beacononlinenews.com

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