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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Warrant Officer One (WO-1) William Wesley Davis, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 2 May 1970, while serving as an Aircraft Commander with the Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, while flying on a visual reconnaissance mission near the Cambodian border his craft began to receive intense anti-aircraft fire. Warrant Officer Davis immediately maneuvered his helicopter and commenced fire with rockets upon the enemy position. Warrant Officer Davis valiantly attempted to destroy the enemy and save the lives of his fellow crew members, but was mortally wounded in the attempt. Warrant Officer Davis’ actions 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:

    Warrant Officer One (WO-1)

    Regiment:

    11th Armored Cavalry Regiment

    Action Date:

    April 12, 1970
    Headquarters, II Field Force Vietnam, General Orders No. 2652 (June 20, 1970)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Warrant Officer One (WO-1) William Wesley Davis, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 12 April 1970, while serving as a pilot with Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Warrant Officer Davis was flying cover for a sniffer mission when it began to receive enemy anti-aircraft fire and soon crashed. Warrant Officer Davis immediately rolled in to provide suppressive fire for the crew members. Even though he had expended all of his ordnance he continued making passes upon the insurgents in order to control their fire. As the Aero Rifle Platoon was inserted to rescue the crew members of the downed craft, Warrant Officer Davis drew the enemy’s fire by using his helicopter as a decoy. Warrant Officer Davis’ actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.