The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Hospital Corpsman Third Class [then Hospitalman] Blakely Irving Davis, Jr. (NSN: B-304575), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in the Republic of Vietnam, on 29 July 1967. Petty Officer Third Class Davis was attached to a squad-sized patrol that was engaged in searching out a suspected Viet Cong stronghold. As the patrol proceeded to cross an open area, it was brought under a heavy volume of enemy fire from small arms and automatic weapons, which immediately wounded two Marines who fell in the exposed area. With full knowledge of the risk involved, Petty Officer Davis ran through the hail of fire to reach the nearest wounded man. Exhibiting exceptional professional skill and courage while under enemy fire, he rendered lifesaving aid and then carried the wounded Marine to a relatively safe area. Once again exposing himself to the heavy fire, he ran across the open area toward the second wounded Marine, but was himself mortally wounded before he could reach the casualty. By his daring actions, professional skill, courage and loyal devotion to duty, Petty Officer Davis served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.