World War II Medal of Honor Recipient. He received the award on July 17, 1943 for his actions as a captain with the 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, US Army, on January 12, 1943 during the Battle of Mount Austen on the Pacific Island of Guadalcanal. He joined the US Army shortly after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and became an officer. He was sent to the Pacific Theater and participated in the Guadalcanal Campaign where he would later earn the Medal of honor for heroism. Following the war, he remained in the US Army and served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, eventually attaining the rank of colonel. His Medal of Honor citation reads: "For distinguishing himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy on Guadalcanal Island. On January 12, 1943, Maj. Davis (then Capt.), executive officer of an infantry battalion, volunteered to carry instructions to the leading companies of his battalion which had been caught in crossfire from Japanese machine guns. With complete disregard for his own safety, he made his way to the trapped units, delivered the instructions, supervised their execution, and remained overnight in this exposed position. On the following day, Maj. Davis again volunteered to lead an assault on the Japanese position which was holding up the advance. When his rifle jammed at its first shot, he drew his pistol and, waving his men on, led the assault over the top of the hill. Electrified by this action, another body of soldiers followed and seized the hill. The capture of this position broke Japanese resistance and the battalion was then able to proceed and secure the corps objective. The courage and leadership displayed by Maj. Davis inspired the entire battalion and unquestionably led to the success of its attack."
World War II Medal of Honor Recipient. He received the award on July 17, 1943 for his actions as a captain with the 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, US Army, on January 12, 1943 during the Battle of Mount Austen on the Pacific Island of Guadalcanal. He joined the US Army shortly after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and became an officer. He was sent to the Pacific Theater and participated in the Guadalcanal Campaign where he would later earn the Medal of honor for heroism. Following the war, he remained in the US Army and served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, eventually attaining the rank of colonel. His Medal of Honor citation reads: "For distinguishing himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy on Guadalcanal Island. On January 12, 1943, Maj. Davis (then Capt.), executive officer of an infantry battalion, volunteered to carry instructions to the leading companies of his battalion which had been caught in crossfire from Japanese machine guns. With complete disregard for his own safety, he made his way to the trapped units, delivered the instructions, supervised their execution, and remained overnight in this exposed position. On the following day, Maj. Davis again volunteered to lead an assault on the Japanese position which was holding up the advance. When his rifle jammed at its first shot, he drew his pistol and, waving his men on, led the assault over the top of the hill. Electrified by this action, another body of soldiers followed and seized the hill. The capture of this position broke Japanese resistance and the battalion was then able to proceed and secure the corps objective. The courage and leadership displayed by Maj. Davis inspired the entire battalion and unquestionably led to the success of its attack."
Bio by: William Bjornstad
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