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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Chief Warrant Officer (CW-2) Tom L. Davis (ASN: W-3157041), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 16 December 1968, while serving as an aircraft commander with the Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, the Troop’s aero rifle platoon was conducting a bomb damage assessment mission when it suddenly became engaged in a fierce firefight with a well-fortified enemy emplacement. Due to the intensity of the battle, the platoon was forced to call for a re-supply of ammunition. Warrant Officer Davis immediately volunteered to pick up the badly needed ammunition and deliver it to an unsecured landing zone near the area of conflict. As his aircraft approached the small, unsecured landing zone, bursts of enemy automatic weapons fire engulfed the helicopter. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Warrant Officer Davis landed the aircraft and unloaded the ammunition. When a second call was received requesting a flame thrower with which to flush out the enemy bunker, Warrant Officer Davis hastily flew a second mission. He landed his aircraft once again, despite instructions to abort the mission due to the intensity of ground fire. On a third occasion, while the aero rifle platoon was receiving sporadic small arms fire, he returned to the landing zone in order to evacuate a wounded prisoner who had been captured during the firefight. Chief Warrant Officer Davis’ outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Chief Warrant Officer (CW-2)

    Regiment:

    11th Armored Cavalry Regiment

    Action Date:

    October 10, 1968
    Headquarters, II Field Force Vietnam, General Orders No. 1788 (December 1, 1968)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Chief Warrant Officer (CW-2) Tom L. Davis (ASN: W-3157041), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 10 October 1968, while serving as pilot of an OH-6A helicopter with the Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Warrant Officer Davis was participating in a low-level reconnaissance mission over an area where aircraft had already been fired on when suddenly his helicopter came under heavy enemy fire. Quickly he maneuvered his helicopter to the suspected enemy position and began to direct machine gun fire upon the enemy. As the firing became more intense, his aircraft received two direct hits in the engine, causing it to crash. Only his outstanding flying skill prevented the devastating crash from killing himself and his crewmembers. Immediately, Warrant Officer Davis pulled his observer out of the wreckage and supplied first aid. He then set up a defensive perimeter around his downed ship, started clearing and marking a landing site for his team member who was flying overhead. When the evacuation helicopter landed, Warrant Officer Davis assisted in the evacuation of his critically-injured comrade. Although severely wounded himself and bleeding from a gash on the side of his head, Warrant Officer Davis refused to be evacuated and returned to his aircraft to defend it until a ground force arrived to secure the area. Because of his quick reactions and complete disregard for his own safety, he saved the life of a fellow soldier. Chief Warrant Officer Davis’ unwavering devotion to duty, outstanding professional skill and personal courage were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.