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 pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Armor) John Stephen Davis, United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 28 September 1969. Captain Davis distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving with Troop C, 7th Armored Cavalry Squadron, 17th Air Cavalry Regiment, 1st Aviation Brigade, as mission commander on a combat operation. When one of his scout helicopters was hit by intense ground fire and crashed in flames on a jungle hillside, he immediately flew to the crash site. Armed only with a machine gun, he began to search for survivors. Despite sporadic sniper fire, he reached the crewmen and set up a defensive position to repel enemy attacks. He directed their movement toward a friendly position, while defending them against the pursuing enemy. As the crash survivors were being extracted from the jungle, Captain Davis directed suppressive fire toward the enemy positions, allowing himself to be extracted only after all others were safely out of the area. Captain Davis’ actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.