Rank and organization: Commander, U.S. Navy. Born: 23 March 1911, Manila, Philippine Islands. Accredited to: Philippine Islands. Other Navy awards: Silver Star Medal, Legion of Merit.

CITATION: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life and beyond the call of duty as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. Walke engaged in a detached mission in support of minesweeping operations to clear the waters for entry of our heavy surface and amphibious forces preparatory to the invasion of Lingayen Gulf, Luzon, Philippine Islands, 6 January 1945. Operating without gun support of other surface ships when 4 Japanese suicide planes were detected flying low overland to attack simultaneously, Comdr. Davis boldly took his position in the exposed wings of the bridge and directed control to pick up the leading plane and open fire. Alert and fearless as the Walke's deadly fire sent the first target crashing into the water and caught the second as it passed close over the bridge to plunge into the sea of portside, he remained steadfast in the path of the third plane plunging swiftly to crash the after end of the bridge structure. Seriously wounded when the craft struck, drenched with gasoline and immediately enveloped in flames, he conned the Walke in the midst of the wreckage; he rallied his command to heroic efforts; he exhorted his officers and men to save the ship and, still on his feet, saw the barrage from his guns destroy the fourth suicide bomber. With the fires under control and the safety of the ship assured, he consented to be carried below. Succumbing several hours later, Comdr. Davis by his example of valor and his unhesitating self-sacrifice, steeled the fighting spirit of his command into unyielding purpose in completing a vital mission. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.

BORN: Mar. 23, 1911

DIED: Jan. 6, 1945

BURIED: Buried at sea\

World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He was born in Manila, Philippine Islands and served as a Commander in the United States Navy during World War II. The commanding officer of the "USS Walke", on January 6, 1945, he and his ship were in support of minesweeping operations to clear waters for entry of amphibious forces for the invasion of Lingayen Gulf, Luzon, Philippine Islands. When 4 Japanese suicide planes were detected flying to attack simultaneously he boldly took his position in the bridge and directed fire control to the leading plane. Deadly fire sent the first target crashing into the water and caught the second as it passed. He remained as the third plane plunged to crash the bridge structure and was seriously wounded when the craft struck. Drenched with gasoline and enveloped in flames, he rallied his command to save the ship and saw the barrage from his guns destroy the fourth suicide bomber. When the safety of the ship was assured, he consented to be carried below and several hours later died. His Medal of Honor was accredited to the Philippine Islands; other Navy awards he was honored with include the Silver Star Medal, Purple Heart and Legion of Merit. (bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith)

Medals of Honor