George Fleming Davis

George Fleming Davis (March 23, 1911 – January 6, 1945) in Manila, Philippines. He was a United States Navy officer and a recipient of America's highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor, for actions during World War II.

Early life George F. Davis was born in Manila on March 23, 1911.

Navy career Davis was appointed to the United States Naval Academy from the Naval Reserve in 1930 and graduated in May 1934. Ensign Davis' first duty station was the new heavy cruiser . While on that ship, he served as an aircraft gunnery observer with her embarked aviation units. From 1939 to 1941, Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Davis served as an officer of the destroyer and the fast minesweeper .

Outbreak of World War II Following promotion to the rank of lieutenant in mid-1941 he was assigned to the battleship , which was sunk on December 7, 1941, when Japan's surprise attack on Pearl Harbor opened the Pacific War.

In January 1942, Lieutenant Davis was transferred to the light cruiser , in which he participated in operations in the Aleutian Islands, the hard fighting over Guadalcanal and the Central Solomons, and the campaign to recover Guam. He was promoted to lieutenant commander and commander while serving in Honolulu, which he left in mid-1944. Following training in advanced surface warfare techniques, he was given command of the destroyer in late November 1944. On 6 January 1945 his ship was covering minesweeping operations in advance of the Lingayen Gulf invasion when she was attacked by four Japanese Kamikazes. Though Walke shot down two, the third plane struck the ship, enveloping her bridge area in burning gasoline. Though horribly burned, Commander Davis remained on his feet, conned the ship, directed damage control efforts and saw to the destruction of the fourth suicide plane. Only when Walke's survival was assured did he relinquish his post to be taken below, where he died a short time later.

For his conduct, Commander Davis was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. His body was buried at sea.

Awards and honors His awards include:

Medal of Honor Silver Star Legion of Meritw/ Combat "V" Purple Heart Combat Action Ribbon Navy Unit Commendation American Defense Service Medalw/ Fleet Clasp (" Bronze Star) American Campaign Medal Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medalw/ two " Silver Stars World War II Victory Medal Philippine Liberation Medal

Medal of Honor citation Commander George F. Davis' official Medal of Honor citation is as follows:

Legacy The destroyer , 1957–1994, was named in his honor.