Korean War Medal of Honor Recipient. He received the award posthumously (presented to his father) from Secretary of the Navy Dan A. Kimball in Washington DS on January 7, 1953 for his actions as a corporal with Company G, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, near Songnae-dong, Korea on September 21, 1951. A former Gold Gloves boxer, he graduated from high school in 1949. After attending the University of Kansas for a year, he left and joined the US Marine Corps in July 1950 following the outbreak of the Korean War, and was sent to Korea five months later. His Medal of Honor citation reads: "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Squad Leader in Company G, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Seongnae-Dong, Korea, early on the morning of 21 September 1951. While expertly directing the defense of his position during a probing attack by hostile forces attempting the infiltrate the area, Corporal Davenport, acting quickly when an enemy grenade fell into the foxhole which he was occupying with Private Robert Smith another young Marine, skillfully located the deadly projectile in the dark and, undeterred by the personal risk involved, heroically threw himself over the live missile, thereby saving his companion from serious injury or possible death. His cool and resourceful leadership were contributing factors in the successful repulse of the enemy attack and his superb courage and admirable spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of almost certain death enhance and sustain the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. Corporal Davenport gallantly gave his life for his country."