Navy Federal Credit Union

Lawton Davis graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of June 1943. He was killed in action as a U.S. Army First Lieutenant during World War II.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    389th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    75th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    January 16, 1945

    Headquarters, 75th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 209 (1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Lawton Davis (ASN: 0-26360), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as a Platoon Leader in Company G, 289th Infantry Regiment, 75th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 16 January 1945, in the vicinity of Beck, Belgium. Reduced considerably in fighting strength by a four hour enemy artillery barrage Company G dug in defensive positions and began the evacuation of its numerous wounded. With an enemy counterattack Imminent Lieutenant Davis sought to divert the hostile assault. Placing himself at the head of a small patrol he spearheaded a determined assault against massed enemy formations, split the onrush of the German forces and diverted their attention from the many exposed wounded of Company G. Lieutenant Davis fell mortally wounded in this action but in so doing gained enough time for the evacuation of the wounded and undoubtedly saved numerous lives. Lieutenant Davis’ gallantry and valor have shed fresh honor upon the Army of the United States.