Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Wayne
Allan
Downing
May 10, 1940

–

July 18, 2007

Born:

Peoria

, 

Illinois

Home:

Peoria

, 

Illinois

Buried: 

West Point

, 

New York

Cemetery:

U.S. Military Academy Post Cemetery

Wayne Downing graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1962. He retired in 1996 as a U.S. Army 4-Star General.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    14th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    25th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    1968 – 1970
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Wayne Allan Downing, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Downing distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Commanding Officer of an Infantry Company and S-3 for the 14th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy from 1968 to 1970. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Downing, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Defense Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    General

    Action Date:

    1989 – 1991
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    Under the provisions of Executive Order 11545, July 9, 1970, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America take pleasure in awarding the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to General Wayne Allan Downing, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service contributing to national security and defense, in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as Commanding General, Joint Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, during Operation JUST CAUSE and Operation DESERT STORM, from 1989 to 1991. The distinctive accomplishments of General Downing reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Army, and the Department of Defense.

  • Defense Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    General

    Action Date:

    1993 – 1996
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    Under the provisions of Executive Order 11545, July 9, 1970, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America take pleasure in awarding a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to General Wayne Allan Downing, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service contributing to national security and defense, in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as Commanding in Chief, Southern Command, MacDill Air Force Base, from 1993 to 1996. The distinctive accomplishments of General Downing reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Army, and the Department of Defense.

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    General

    Action Date:

    1991 – 1993
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: General Wayne Allan Downing, United States Army, was awarded the Army Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commanding General, Army Special Operations Command, from 1991 to 1993.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    14th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    25th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    1968 – 1970
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Wayne Allan Downing, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Downing distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Commanding Officer of an Infantry Company and S-3 for the 14th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy from 1968 to 1970. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Downing, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major (Infantry)

    Division:

    25th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    1968 – 1970
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Infantry) Wayne Allan Downing, United States Army, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States with the 25th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam, from 1968 to 1970.

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    General

    Action Date:

    1993 – 1996
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: General Wayne Allan Downing, United States Army, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Army Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commanding in Chief, Southern Command, MacDill Air Force Base, from 1993 to 1996.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    General

    Action Date:

    1982 – 1984
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: General Wayne Allan Downing, United States Army, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, 3d Brigade, 1st Armored Division, from 1982 to 1984.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    General

    Regiment:

    75th Infantry Regiment (Ranger)

    Action Date:

    1984 – 1985
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: General Wayne Allan Downing, United States Army, was awarded a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Silver Star for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, 75th Infantry Regiment (Ranger), from 1984 to 1985.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    General

    Action Date:

    1985 – 1987
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: General Wayne Allan Downing, United States Army, was awarded a Fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Silver Star for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Deputy Commanding General, 1st Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, from 1985 to 1987.