Soldier Honored: Stephen P. Downing II

Army Private First-Class Stephen P. Downing II, of Waverly, Indiana, was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 17th Field Artillery, Camp Hovey, Korea.  In 1994, he joined the Indiana National Guard, and in February 2003, joined the active army as an ammunition specialist. On October 28, 2004, while conducting combat operations in Ramadi, Iraq, his unit came under attack from small arms fire. PFC Downing died as a result of the injuries he suffered from the attack.

Prior to joining the Indiana National Guard, PFC Downing was an avid snow skier and raced off-road trucks professionally. He was known as a funny man with no enemies. At age 29, he felt compelled to join the military. Members of his family told him they wished they could deploy in his place, but PFC Downing said, “No.  I don’t want to be there, but it’s my turn to protect you.”

Survived by his wife and two children, PFC Downing’s daughter was a Folds of Honor Higher Education Scholarship recipient.