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 Major (Infantry) Arthur Davies, Jr. (ASN: OF-102845), United States Army, for gallantry in action against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Major Davies distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 24 January 1967, while serving as Battalion S-3 as his Battalion command group was moving the Command Post to a new location. Early in the afternoon the friendly force encountered heavy fire from a well entrenched enemy force. Then a large barrage of 60 millimeter mortar began to fall with accuracy upon the rear elements of the command group. During the height of the intensive indirect fire attack, Major Davies was painfully wounded. Disregarding his injuries, Major Davies concentrated on the problems of continuing support and guidance for the rifle elements under him. He remained unswervingly at his post, directing tactical movements and fire support that routed the insurgents. Simultaneously, he called for re-supply and medical evacuation, tasks rendered extremely difficult by the nature of the dense jungle and high number of casualties. For 72 strife-torn hours Major Davies’ calm, forceful guidance provided comfort and indispensable direction to the subordinate commanders, who were engaged in their first hostile fire action. Yielding at last to the concern of others, he allowed himself to be evacuated for medical attention. As soon as he had received aid, he returned to complete the operation. Major Davies’ perseverance, bravery, and concern for his soldiers were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Major (Infantry) Arthur Davies, Jr. (ASN: OF-102845), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Brigade, 9th Infantry Division, on 27 April 1967. As Major Davies was accompanying the Brigade Command Group to a landing zone and an awaiting helicopter, they suddenly came under an intense volume of automatic and semi-automatic weapons fire from a numerically superior Viet Cong force. After the initial burst of hostile fire which killed the point man, Major Davies bravely rushed forward through a hail of enemy fire in a gallant attempt to assess the hostile situation and determine what tactical action was to be taken in order to defeat the enemy. Without regard for his own personal safety, Major Davies knowingly exposed himself to enemy observation as he fired his weapon upon the assaulting enemy and directed his men against the insurgent force. During the ensuing battle, Major Davies was mortally wounded. Throughout the battle, Major Davies inspired his men to new heights of vigor and confidence, and his actions contributed significantly to the repelling of the enemy forces. Major Davies’ leadership, courage, and determination to do what was necessary in a critical situation revealed his extreme devotion to duty. Major Davies’ extraordinary heroism in close combat against a numerically superior Viet Cong force was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.