Leland Lafroy Davis

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Leland Lafroy Davis (0-146517), Machinist, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Commander of a Navy Patrol Plane in Patrol Squadron FORTY-ONE (VP-41), Patrol Wing FOUR, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Aleutian Islands, Territory of Alaska, on 11 June 1942. Machinist Davis made daring, repeated dive-bombing and strafing attacks on Japanese ships and four-motored patrol planes in Kiska Harbor despite severe adverse weather conditions and fire from antiaircraft and shore batteries. Machinist Davis’ bomber was on a patrol mission on 11 June 1942, when the Japanese submarine was sighted running on the surface eight miles away. Machinist Davis flew into the clouds to escape detection, came out one mile from the submarine as it began to submerge, and plunged downward in a bombing run. Two depth charges were released just ahead of the wake. Almost im­mediately the submarine blew its tanks and emerged, bow first, with a large oil slick spreading from either side of its hull. Machinist Davis’ outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 313 (April 1943)