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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander James White Davis, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepid devotion to duty as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. S-47 (SS-158), during the THIRD War Patrol of that submarine in action with an enemy Japanese cruiser in Southern Pacific Waters on 12 September 1942. Courageously, and with the daring tactics of a fine seaman, Lieutenant Commander Davis adeptly Maneuvered his ship on the surface into a close firing position and delivered three torpedo hits into the enemy cruiser which resulted in the sinking of that vessel. Despite the hazards of operating with the mechanical deficiencies existing in his ship at the time, and suffering the intense physical strain attendant upon his previous long submerged patrol in enemy infested tropical waters, he skillfully submerged after the engagement and brought his ship out of the action undamaged. The expert efficiency and fine spirit of determination displayed by Lieutenant Commander Davis in gravely perilous combat were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain [then Commander]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Raton (SS-270)

    Action Date:

    December 11, 1943 – January 25, 1944
    Commander, 7th Fleet: Serial 2489 (September 3, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Captain [then Commander] James White Davis, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. RATON (SS-270), on her SECOND War Patrol against enemy Japanese forces in the Mindanao Celebes-Halmahera Area, from 11 December 1943 to 25 January 1944. Courageously and skillfully maneuvering his ship in three aggressive and expertly conducted attacks against escorted convoys, Captain Davis inflicted severe damage on the enemy, sinking 17,974 tons of enemy shipping and damaging an additional 6,000-ton vessel. By his skillful tactics and superb seamanship, he rendered ineffectual all enemy anti-submarine measures and counterattacks and brought his vessel safe to port. His capable leadership and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain [then Lieutenant Commander]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Raton (SS-270)

    Action Date:

    November 20 – December 6, 1943
    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 01221 (May 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain [then Lieutenant Commander] James White Davis, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. RATON (SS-270), during the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters of the Pacific War Area from 20 November to 6 December 1943. Alert and prepared for rigorous enemy countermeasures as he launched repeated attacks against strategic enemy formations, Captain Davis was responsible for the sinking of three valuable Japanese ships totaling 18,666 tons. When he observed two enemy escort vessels preparing for an attack on a friendly submarine, he boldly closed both hostile ships and succeeded in diverting them from executing the depth charge attack. Consistently skillful in evading enemy counterattacks, Captain Davis completed the patrol with no damage to his own ship and, by his courageous leadership, cool judgment and resourceful initiative in the face of grave peril, upheld throughout the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain [then Commander]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Raton (SS-270)

    Action Date:

    May 10 – June 23, 1944
    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 02551 (September 21, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain [then Commander] James White Davis, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. RATON (SS-270), on the FOURTH War Patrol of that submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters of the South China Sea, during the period 10 May 1944 to 23 June 1944. Aggressive and relentless in tracking the enemy, Captain Davis maneuvered and fought his ship gallantly throughout repeated brilliantly executed attacks against hostile surface forces and, by his expert skill and daring, contributed to the success of the RATON in sinking two hostile destroyers, damaging or sinking additional shipping, capturing Japanese prisoners of war and conducting a special secret mission during this extended tour of duty in restricted waters. Skillfully evading severe hostile countermeasures and bringing his vessel safe to base without damage or loss, Captain Davis, by his inspiring leadership, outstanding courage and valiant devotion to the completion of a perilous assignment, contributed to the success of our forces in reducing Japanese Naval strength in the Pacific and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.