The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Major Murrit Herman Davis (AFSN: 12729A), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an enemy as Pilot of an F-51 Fighter Airplane and as Squadron Commander, 39th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 51st Fighter-Interceptor Group, FIFTH Air Force, on 14 August 1951. On that date, Major Davis led a flight of 12 F-51 type aircraft on a mission over Korea. Major Davis displayed outstanding airmanship and exceptional heroism by leading his Squadron over the heavily defended city of Pyongyang, capital of North Korea, where a devastating low level napalm attack was made against supply warehouses in that city. Two of his pilots were shot down by enemy fire and his own aircraft was heavily damaged. Despite the intensity of enemy opposition, Major Davis pulled away from his Squadron and circled the target area repeatedly attempting to locate the downed pilots. After an exhaustive search, he reassembled his squadron over the designated rendezvous point and led them toward home base. Approximately ten minutes after leaving the target area, his aircraft engine failed. Major Davis jettisoned his canopy. His aircraft was then seen to enter a spiral to the left, crash into the ground and explode. Major Davis’ inspiring leadership, personal courage and devotion to duty, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the service and reflected great credit upon himself, the FAR EAST Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.