Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Specialist Fourth Class

    Regiment:

    5th Special Forces Group (Airborne)

    Division:

    1st Special Forces

    Action Date:

    June 6, 1968

    Headquarters, U.S. Army Vietnam, General Orders No. 3194 (July 4, 1968)

    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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class Richard Shirley Davis (ASN: RA-11616385), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam while serving with Detachment A-414,. 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Specialist Fourth Class Davis distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 6 June 1968 while helping lead a relief column to a besieged strike force outpost in Cai Dai. While proceeding to the outpost, his unit was to secure a village near the Cambodian border. During the column’s approach to the hamlet, its members came under heavy small arms and mortar fire which wounded Specialist Davis. Despite his injuries, he coordinated artillery counterfire and helped reorganize his force to assault the village. During the advance, he was wounded several more times. As the assault reached the edge of the village, Specialist Davis’ entire element was fired upon by a Viet Cong battalion occupying its buildings. The advance was halted. Despite heavy artillery barrages and airstrikes, the enemy positions were not silenced. Specialist Davis, while trying to employ a delaying action to protect the withdrawal, died of his previous wounds. Specialist Fourth Class Davis’ gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.