The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Donald Craig Davis, United States Army, for gallantry in action in support of an element of combat troops of the Republic of Vietnam engaged in military operations with an armed hostile force in Laos. Captain Davis distinguished himself on 20 February 1971, while serving as pilot of a UH-1H lift helicopter of Company C (Assault Helicopter), 158th Aviation Battalion (Assault Helicopter), 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile), during an emergency extraction. While attempting to extract a beleaguered ground element of the Army of Republic of Vietnam, the lead aircraft in Captain Davis’ formation came under intense hostile fire and was downed. Subjecting himself to the intense barrage, he immediately piloted his aircraft to the crash site. Placing his aircraft between the enemy positions and the downed helicopter, Captain Davis shielded the crew from the enemy fire. Despite the burning wreckage and threat of explosion, Captain Davis held his aircraft in a steady hover while the downed aircraft commander was safely extracted. While departing the contact area, his aircraft received heavy small arms fire from point blank range. Piloting through the intense barrage, he successfully departed the contact area and flew to a secure firebase. His actions save the life of a fellow aviator. Captain Davis’ gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.