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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Joseph Carleton Davis, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 103d Field Artillery, 26th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Beaumont, France, 26 April 1918. Lieutenant Davis kept his battery in action during a heavy destructive enemy bombardment which lasted for several hours. Although almost half of his detachment were killed or wounded and three of his guns put out of action, he personally directed the fire of his remaining gun. Later, while assisting a wounded officer to safety through a shell-swept area, a shell exploded near them, killing the wounded officer and knocking Lieutenant Davis to the ground. His work throughout the engagement was an inspiration to his men.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Field Artillery)

    Regiment:

    103d Field Artillery Regiment

    Division:

    26th Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    April 20, 1918
    GHQ, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Orders No. 1 (June 3, 1919)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Joseph C. Davis, United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. First Lieutenant Davis distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 103d Field Artillery, 26th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action at Seicheprey, France, 20 April 1918, in going to the aid of a wounded soldier under heavy shell fire. [This award was rescinded under GHQ, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Orders No. 9 (August 1, 1920) as the recipient has been awarded a Distinguished Service Cross for deed including this act.]