Raymond G. Davis
Raymond G. Davis | |
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3rd Marine Division Marine Corps Combat Development Command | |
| Battles/wars | World War II
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| Awards | Vietnamese Gallantry Cross (3) |
Raymond Gilbert Davis (January 13, 1915 – September 3, 2003) was a
General Davis had a close association with Marine Corps legend,
Early years
General Davis was born on January 13, 1915, in
Marine Corps career
1939–1942
In May 1939, Second Lieutenant Davis completed the Marine Officers'
World War II
During World War II, Captain Davis participated in the
Beginning in June 1942, he embarked with his unit for the
Davis' heroism while commanding the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines at
1944–1950
Returning to the United States in November 1944, he was assigned to Quantico as Tactical Inspector, Marine Corps Schools. He was named Chief of the Infantry Section, Marine Air-Infantry School, Quantico, in May 1945, and served in that post for two years before returning to the Pacific area in July 1947 to serve with the 1st Provisional Marine Brigade on Guam. He was the 1st Brigade's assistant chief of staff, G-3 (Operations and Training), until August 1948, and from then until May 1949, was assistant chief of staff, G-4 (Logistics). Upon his return from Guam in May 1949, he was named Inspector-Instructor of the 9th Marine Corps Reserve Infantry Battalion in Chicago, Illinois. He served there until August 1950 when he embarked for South Korea.
Korean War
In South Korea, Davis commanded the
During the 1st Marine Division's fight to break out of the
Davis was also awarded two
1952–1959
Davis served with Headquarters Marine Corps at the Pentagon until June 1954. He served in the Operations Subsection, G-3, Division of Plans and Policies, until February 1952, when he took charge of the subsection. In April 1953, he became head of the Operations and Training Branch, G-3 Division. While serving in this capacity, he was promoted to full Colonel in October 1953.
The following July, he attended the Special Weapons Employment Course, Fleet Training Center, Norfolk, Virginia, under instruction. In September 1954, he entered the Senior Course, Marine Corps Schools, Quantico. Upon completing the course in June 1955, he served consecutively as assistant director and, later, director, of the Senior School. In October 1957, he was again transferred to Washington, D. C., and served there as Assistant G-2, Headquarters Marine Corps, until August 1959.
1960–1966
In June 1960, Davis completed the course at the
Davis' next assignment was in the Far East, where he served as assistant division commander,
In December 1964, he was assigned to Headquarters Marine Corps. He served as assistant director of personnel until March 1965, then served as assistant chief of staff, G-1, until March 1968. For his service in the latter capacity, he was awarded a second Legion of Merit medal. He was promoted to Major general in November 1966.
Vietnam War
In March 1968, he was sent to the
1969–1972
In May 1969, Davis was assigned duty as deputy for education with additional duty as director, Education Center, Marine Corps Development and Education Command, Quantico, Virginia. After his promotion to Lieutenant general on July 1, 1970, he was reassigned duty as commanding general, Marine Corps Development and Education Command.
On February 23, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon nominated Davis for appointment to the grade of general and assignment to the position of Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps. His nomination was confirmed by the Senate and he received his fourth star on March 12, 1971. General Davis served as Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps until he retired from active duty on March 31, 1972.
Post-Marine Corps career
In 2003, General Davis (Ret.) participated in an independent investigative commission headed by retired Admiral
Military awards
Davis' decorations and awards include:[6]
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| Medal of Honor | Navy Cross | Navy Distinguished Service Medal w/ 5⁄16" Gold Star |
| Silver Star w/ one 5⁄16" Gold Star |
Combat "V" and 5⁄16" Gold Star
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Bronze Star w/ Combat "V" |
| Purple Heart | Combat Action Ribbon w/ one 5⁄16" Gold Star |
Navy and Marine Corps Presidential Unit Citation w/ three 3⁄16" Bronze Stars |
| Navy Unit Commendation w/ one 3⁄16" Bronze Star |
American Defense Service Medal w/ Fleet Clasp (3⁄16" Bronze Star) |
American Campaign Medal |
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal w/ one 3⁄16" Silver Star |
World War II Victory Medal | National Defense Service Medal w/ one 3⁄16" Bronze Star |
| Korean Service Medal w/ four 3⁄16" Bronze Stars |
Vietnam Service Medal w/ three 3⁄16" Bronze Stars |
National Order of Vietnam Officer |
| National Order of Vietnam Knight |
Vietnam Army Distinguished Service Order 2nd Class |
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/ three Palms |
| Vietnam Public Health Service Medal, 1st class | Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation w/ service star
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Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation w/ Palm and Frame |
United Nations Korea Medal
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Vietnam Campaign Medal | Republic of Korea War Service Medal |
Medal of Honor citation
Rank and organization:
Citation:
- For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of the 1st Battalion, in action against enemy aggressor forces. Although keenly aware that the operation involved breaking through a surrounding enemy and advancing 8 miles along primitive icy trails in the bitter cold with every passage disputed by a savage and determined foe, Lt. Col. Davis boldly led his Battalion into the attack in a daring attempt to relieve a beleaguered rifle company and to seize, hold, and defend a vital mountain pass controlling the only route available for two Marine Regiments in danger of being cut off by numerically superior hostile forces during their re-deployment to the port of Hungnam. When the Battalion immediately encountered strong opposition from entrenched enemy forces commanding high ground in the path of the advance, he promptly spearheaded his unit in a fierce attack up the steep, ice-covered slopes in the face of withering fire and, personally leading the assault groups in a hand-to-hand encounter, drove the hostile troops from their positions, rested his men, and reconnoitered the area under enemy fire to determine the best route for continuing the mission. Always in the thick of the fighting Lt. Col. Davis led his Battalion over 3 successive ridges in the deep snow in continuous attacks against the enemy and, constantly inspiring and encouraging his men throughout the night, brought his unit to a point within 1,500 yards of the surrounded rifle company by daybreak. Although knocked to the ground when a shell fragment struck his helmet and 2 bullets pierced his clothing, he arose and fought his way forward at the head of his men until he reached the isolated Marines. On the following morning, he bravely led his Battalion in securing the vital mountain pass from a strongly entrenched and numerically superior hostile force, carrying all his wounded with him, including 22 litter cases and numerous ambulatory patients. Despite repeated savage and heavy assaults by the enemy, he stubbornly held the vital terrain until the two Regiments of the Division had deployed through the pass and, on the morning of 4 December, led his Battalion into Hagaru-ri intact. By his superb leadership, outstanding courage, and brilliant tactical ability, Lt. Col. Davis was directly instrumental in saving the beleaguered rifle company from complete annihilation and enabled the two Marine Regiments to escape possible destruction. His valiant devotion to duty and unyielding fighting spirit in the face of almost insurmountable odds enhance and sustain the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
Citation:
- The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Raymond Gilbert Davis (0–5831), Major, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands from 15 to September 22, 1944. Although wounded during the first hour of landing, Major Davis refused evacuation to remain with his Battalion's assault elements in many hazardous missions. On one occasion, when large gaps occurred in our front lines as the result of heavy casualties, and his right flank company was disorganized by point-blank enemy cannon fire following a successful nine hundred yard penetration through heavily defended lines, he rallied and personally led combined troops into these gaps to establish contact and maintain hasty defensive positions for the remainder of the night. Despite many casualties from close-range sniper fire, he remained in the vicinity of the front lines, coordinating artillery and Naval gunfire support with such effect that several determined counterattacks were repulsed. His outstanding courage, devotion to duty and leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
First Silver Star citation
Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Lieutenant Colonel Raymond Gilbert Davis (MCSN: 0-5831), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy in Korea during the period 2 November to 8 November 1950. Lieutenant Colonel Davis was serving as Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division on 3 November 1950. At about 0130, 3 November the enemy conducted a fierce, coordinated night attack against the First Battalion, Seventh Marines. Lieutenant Colonel Davis moved from point to point on the line wherever there was danger of the enemy breaking through, continually exposing himself to heavy enemy small arms and mortar fire without personal regard for his own safety. His display of leadership, initiative and courage was a constant inspiration to the officers and men about him. It was through his actions that the lines held and the enemy was repulsed. During the daylight hours of 3 November Lieutenant Colonel Davis maneuvered elements of his command in such a manner as to route the enemy. Once again Lieutenant Colonel Davis' display of leadership and courage acted as an inspiration to the officers and men of his command. It was a direct result of Lieutenant Colonel Davis' actions that the First Battalion was able to break through and continue the attack in its zone of action.[7]
Second Silver Star citation
Citation:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Raymond Gilbert Davis (MCSN: 0-5831), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 30 September 1950. Assigned the task of seizing two hills located at the southern end of the Seoul-Uijongbu corridor, Lieutenant Colonel Davis boldly led his battalion against a well-entrenched enemy force in the face of hostile small-arms, automatic-weapons and mortar fire. Keenly aware that the unit had been assembled and organized only six weeks previously and that this was its first attack, he advanced with the assault elements and, moving from platoon to platoon to encourage the men, inspired his battalion to rout the enemy and capture its objective quickly. By his marked courage, brilliant leadership and steadfast devotion to duty, Lieutenant Colonel Davis upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.[7]
Other honors
- In 2003, General Davis was awarded the Korea Society.
- The building that houses the Marine Corps Combat Development Command (the Marine Corps Development and Education Command until 1987) at Marine Corps Base Quantico is named the "General Raymond G. Davis Center".
- In 2007, Ray Davis Middle school celebrated its inaugural year.
Death
General Davis died of a
Gallery
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Lt. Gen. James Mattis, commanding general, Marine Corps Combat Development Command, and Willa Knox Davis cut the ribbion during the General Raymond G. Davis Center dedication ceremony. -
General Davis and his wife at the ceremony commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Korean War in 2000.
See also
Notes
- ^ "General Davis: Biography". General Ray Davis Memorial Endowment. Archived from the original on September 2, 2006.
- ^ Russ 1999, pp. 12.
- ^ Russ 1999, pp. 284–302.
- ^ Sterner, C. Douglas (2001). "Operation Dewey Canyon" (PDF). Wesley Fox. Retrieved January 6, 2006. (PDF file, posted on the official website of the 1st Battalion 9th Marines Network, Inc.)
- ^ https://www.usslibertyveterans.org/files/documentcenter/USS%20Liberty%20Document%20Center/usslibertydocumentcenter.org/doc/upload/Independent_Commission_Israeli_Attack_USS_Liberty.pdf
- ^ "Who's Who in Marine Corps History-Gen Raymond G. Davis". www.tecom.usmc.mil. Archived from the original on June 15, 2011. Retrieved January 12, 2022.
- ^ Military Times.
- ^ Goldstein, Richard (September 5, 2003). "Gen. Raymond Davis, War Hero, Dies at 88". The New York Times.
References
Books
- ISBN 1-57488-259-7.
- Russ, Martin (1999). Breakout" – The Chosin Reservoir Campaign, Korea, 1950. Penguin Books. ISBN 0-14-029259-4.
- Owen, Joseph R. (1996). Colder Than Hell – A Marine Rifle Company at the Chosin Reservoir. Presidio Press. ISBN 978-0-8041-1697-8.
Web
- "Official Marine Corps for Raymond G. Davis". Headquarters Marine Corps, United States Marine Corps. April 1972. Archived from the original on February 7, 2012. Retrieved January 13, 2009.
- "LtCol. Raymond G. Davis, Medal of Honor, 1950, 1/7/1, Korea (Medal of Honor citation)". Marines Awarded the Medal of Honor. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Archived from the original on February 20, 2007.
Further reading
- "Saluting a Hero (General Ray Davis)". The Whistle: Faculty/Staff News. Georgia Institute of Technology. June 2, 2003. Archived from the original on March 5, 2016. Retrieved May 14, 2006.
- Camp, Richard D. (2020). Three War Marine Hero: General Raymond G. Davis. Havertown, Pennsylvania: Casemate. ISBN 9781612009391.
External links
- "General Davis:Biography". Georgia Tech. Archived from the original on September 2, 2006. Retrieved July 28, 2006.