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.

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.