The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Douglas Courtland Davis (NSN: 0-84141), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Commander of a Navy PY-1 Liberator Patrol Plane in Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIX (VB-106). As Patrol Plane commander of a Navy Liberator operating from Guadalcanal and Munda, he inflicted serious damage to Japanese shore bases and land installations as well as to ships and barges. In particular, on 13 November 1943, in cooperation with another pilot of his squadron, he destroyed five seaplanes, and bombed and strafed docks and supply areas at Kapigamarangi Island. On 3 January 1944, he attacked and destroyed an enemy seaplane in aerial combat within sight of enemy fighter strips in Kavieng, New Ireland. On 7 February 1944, he and his crew, alone, attacked the strong enemy base at Satawan Island, over 800 miles from his home base, and despite heavy anti-aircraft fire and great odds against him, destroyed a large fuel dump, wiped out an anti-aircraft gun crew, and inflicted other serious damage. His actions on these and other occasions showed a high degree of professional skill, outstanding aggressiveness and persistence, exceptional determination and heroic coolness under fire, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
LieutenantBatallion:
Bombing Squadron 106 (VB-106)Action Date:
March 24 – May 24, 1944
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Douglas Courtland Davis (NSN: 0-84141), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Patrol Plane Commander of a Navy Liberator Bomber in Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIX (VB-106), operating from fields in New Guinea and the Admiralty Islands, during the periods from 24 March 1944 to 4 April 1944 and from 6 April 1944 to 24 May 1944. Lieutenant Davis volunteered for dangerous bombing missions far from his base. He aggressively sought and pursued enemy aircraft and ships. During numerous engagements, in the face of severe enemy fire, he destroyed ships, shore installations and barges, often with severe damage to his own plane. His courage and skill were in accordance with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant, Junior GradeRegiment:
Battle of MidwayAction Date:
June 4 & 5, 1942
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Douglas Courtland Davis (NSN: 0-84141), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in the line of his profession as Patrol Plane Commander during the operations of the U.S. Naval and Marine forces on Midway Islands against the invading Japanese Fleet on 4 and 5 June 1942. On the night of 3 – 4 June 1942, his plane successfully located the enemy at a distance of 560 miles from the base and attacked with torpedoes from close range. His successfully locating the enemy and carrying out his assigned mission was a definite contribution to the ultimate success of our forces in the Battle of Midway. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
LieutenantBatallion:
Bombing Squadron 106 (VB-106)Action Date:
April 5, 1944
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Army Award) to Lieutenant Douglas Courtland Davis (NSN: 0-84141), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight over Wakde Island on 5 April 1944. These PBY crew members departed on a long-range night flight to bomb planes and dispersal areas at the Japanese base. A heavy anti-aircraft barrage was encountered while approaching the target, but the airplane descended in a power dive to 400 feet and one-half of the bomb load was dropped on the northeast end of the runway. In this run, several shrapnel hits were sustained, seriously damaging the aircraft. One engine was left burning, a fire was started in the tail section, the hydraulic system was destroyed, and hydraulic and gasoline were streaming into the bomb bay. Despite the damaged condition of the aircraft, the crew extinguished the flames and pressed another run, but sufficient altitude could not be attained to drop the bombs. On the return flight, three of the crew members stood on a slippery catwalk over the open bomb bay doors for ninety minutes and worked without parachutes until the doors were closed manually and the gas leaks repaired. Upon reaching the base a landing was made in which none of the personnel was injured. The outstanding courage and devotion to duty displayed on this occasion are worthy of the highest commendation.