James Carroll Davis

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to James Carroll Davis (276400), Staff Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Platoon Leader of Company H, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Provisional Marine Brigade (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, in action against enemy aggressor forces northeast of Chindong-ni, Korea, on 8 August 1950. Engaged in the Chindong-ni Area where Company H had overrun its objective and had hastily deployed for night defense, Staff Sergeant Davis with his platoon assumed a forward position for more effective defense against an enemy force entrenched only 75 yards distant. While repairing a defective hand grenade, he inadvertently dropped it in the midst of his fellow Marines. Without a moment’s hesitation, he chose to sacrifice himself rather than endanger his companions and threw himself upon the live grenade, absorbing the full impact of the explosion and thereby saving the lives of at least five men in the immediate vicinity. By his loyalty, fortitude and courageous devotion to duty, Staff Sergeant Davis upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.