Flags are flying at half-staff across Dunedin for Mal Clingan, a Purple Heart recipient and Vietnam War combat medic who spent decades shaping the city's veteran community.

Clingan died on or before Friday, Sept. 25, when American Legion Post 275 Commander Joe Hardy announced his passing and ordered the post's flags lowered through interment, according to the city of Dunedin. VFW Post 2550 and the city followed soon after.

Clingan served in the U.S. Army from 1963 to 1967. In 1966, he was transferred to the 25th Infantry Division Medical Battalion operating in the Cu Chi district of Saigon during the Vietnam War. He served as a combat medic.

He was wounded in early 1967.

The city's tribute noted that Clingan cared deeply for the men he treated on the battlefield. His military decorations included the Purple Heart, the Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation, the Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal, among others.

After his service, Clingan became a fixture in Dunedin's veteran organizations. He served for years on the executive committee of American Legion Post 275, led the Military Order of the Purple Heart JFK Post 1963 in Palm Harbor as its commander, and sat on the Pinellas County Veterans Advisory Committee.

His legacy is visible at 300 Main Street in downtown Dunedin. Purple Heart Park features a red stone monument honoring Purple Heart recipients and a commemorative brick path called the Walk of Honor. Dunedin was designated Florida's first Purple Heart City on Aug. 3, 2006, and the park stands as a lasting marker of the work Clingan and fellow veterans put into the community.

The city stated that Clingan's commitment to the veteran community can be seen in the park's grounds and will be felt in Dunedin far into the future.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, DeeDee Clingan, along with family and friends. Interment details have not been announced.

Residents who wish to pay respects can visit Purple Heart Park at 300 Main Street. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset.