Joseph Carlton Davis

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Joseph Carlton Davis, First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Beaumont, France, April 26, 1918. Lieutenant Davis kept his battery in action during a heavy destructive enemy bombardment which lasted for several hours. Although almost half of his detachment were killed or wounded and three of his guns put out of action, he personally directed the fire of his remaining gun. Later, while assisting a wounded officer to safety through a shell-swept area, a shell exploded near them, killing the wounded officer and knocking Lieutenant Davis to the ground. His work throughout the engagement was an inspiration to his men.