The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain Corbin James Davis (ASN: 0-28570), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Commanding Officer of Company L, 3d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy near Yongin, Korea. On 29 January 1951, Captain Davis was leading his company in an attack upon a determined enemy strongly entrenched on Hill 381, the dominating terrain feature in the battalion zone of attack. Heavy mortar, small arms, and automatic weapons fire were being placed on his company, causing many casualties. When only a portion of the objective had been secured, the attack faltered due to intense enemy fire and the rapidly dwindling ammunition supply. The numerically superior enemy took advantage of this to launch a counterattack on the left flank of the company. Captain Davis, disregarding his personal safety, moved to the flank and, while facing a fanatical charge, killed five enemy soldiers with his carbine, thereby inspiring his men not only to hold the flank but to attack. Captain Davis then led his men forward in a bayonet charge, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy and routing them from their well-entrenched positions to secure Hill 381. When ordered to withdraw to positions more favorable for a night defense, he personally evacuated many of the wounded and dead, although under constant heavy fire. He then skillfully established a perimeter defense, ably directing his men until he was wounded by mortar fire which fractured both arms, necessitating his evacuation. The courageous leadership of Captain Davis reflects great credit on himself and the military service.


