George Fleming Davis Explained

George Fleming Davis
Birth Date:23 March 1911
Birth Place:Manila, Philippines
Death Place:, Lingayen Gulf, off Luzon, Philippines
Placeofburial:off Luzon, Philippines
Placeofburial Label:Burial at sea
Allegiance: United States
Serviceyears:1934 - 1945
Rank: Commander
Battles:World War II
Awards:Medal of Honor
Silver Star
Legion of Merit
Purple Heart

George Fleming Davis (March 23, 1911 – January 6, 1945) in Manila, Philippines.[1] He was a United States Navy officer and a recipient of America's highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor, for actions during World War II.

Early life

George F. Davis was born in Manila on March 23, 1911.

Navy career

Davis was appointed to the United States Naval Academy from the Naval Reserve in 1930 and graduated in May 1934. Ensign Davis' first duty station was the new heavy cruiser . While on that ship, he served as an aircraft gunnery observer with her embarked aviation units. From 1939 to 1941, Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Davis served as an officer of the destroyer and the fast minesweeper .

Outbreak of World War II

Following promotion to the rank of lieutenant in mid-1941 he was assigned to the battleship, which was sunk on December 7, 1941, when Japan's surprise attack on Pearl Harbor opened the Pacific War.

In January 1942, Lieutenant Davis was transferred to the light cruiser, in which he participated in operations in the Aleutian Islands, the hard fighting over Guadalcanal and the Central Solomons, and the campaign to recover Guam. He was promoted to lieutenant commander and commander while serving in Honolulu, which he left in mid-1944. Following training in advanced surface warfare techniques, he was given command of the destroyer in late November 1944. On 6 January 1945 his ship was covering minesweeping operations in advance of the Lingayen Gulf invasion when she was attacked by four Japanese Kamikazes. Though Walke shot down two, the third plane struck the ship, enveloping her bridge area in burning gasoline. Though horribly burned, Commander Davis remained on his feet, conned the ship, directed damage control efforts and saw to the destruction of the fourth suicide plane. Only when Walkes survival was assured did he relinquish his post to be taken below, where he died a short time later.

For his conduct, Commander Davis was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. His body was buried at sea.

Awards and honors

His awards include:[2] [3]

Medal of HonorSilver Star
Legion of Merit
w/ Combat "V"
Purple Heart
Navy Unit CommendationAmerican Defense Service Medal
w/ Fleet Clasp (" Bronze Star)
American Campaign Medal
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
w/ two " Silver Stars
World War II Victory MedalPhilippine Liberation Medal

Medal of Honor citation

Commander George F. Davis' official Medal of Honor citation is as follows:

Legacy

The destroyer, 1957–1994, was named in his honor.

See also

References

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 2021-01-13 . Commander George Fleming Davis Medal of Honor . 2024-06-12 . The National WWII Museum New Orleans . en.
  2. Web site: Valor Awards for George Fleming Davis. Military Times. 2023-03-16.
  3. Web site: George Fleming Davis. Together We Served. 2023-03-16.