William J. Davis

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to William J. Davis (0-49480), First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving a 60-mm. Mortar Section Commander of Company A, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 2 and 3 November 1950. Quick to act when his company was subjected to a strong hostile counterattack, First Lieutenant Davis immediately advanced to a forward position under intense enemy machine-gun, mortar and artillery fire and, remaining in his exposed position, called and adjusted accurate and effective mortar fire until the aggressors were repulsed thirty hours later. By his aggressive and determined leadership, fortitude and cool courage in the face of heavy odds, First Lieutenant Davis served as an inspiration to all who observed him, and his steadfast devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD: 1st Marine Division, Serial 10643

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to William J. Davis (0-49480), Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on February 14, 1968. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Lieutenant Colonel Davis upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.