The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Earl Davis (ASN: 34610807), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, from 13 to 15 March 1944. When an advance was held up by thirty Japanese, manning rifles and two heavy machine guns from behind a long, Private First Class Davis took a Browning Automatic Rifle from a wounded comrade and laid down effective fire on the hostile position. This disrupted the accuracy of the enemy force, permitting the evacuation of the American wounded. At this point, two tanks joined the infantrymen and Private First Class Davis led a party forward under the protection of the armored vehicles. They then attacked the Japanese at close quarters, annihilating them. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Davis, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.