The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Alan F. Davis (MCSN: 0-92159), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364, Marine Aircraft Group Thirty-Six, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 14 December 1967, Captain Davis launched as Co-pilot aboard a CH-36 helicopter participating in a troop movement near Dong Ha. Suddenly, his aircraft came under intense enemy automatic weapons fire, which wounded the pilot and several passengers and damaged the aircraft’s controls. Reacting immediately, Captain Davis took control of the damaged helicopter, which was moving at over 100 knots just above the tops of the trees. Using both hands to control the battle-damaged aircraft while holding the collective down with his leg he maintained his low altitude and high airspeed for five miles and skillfully avoided further hostile fire. In addition, the aircraft’s radio navigation equipment was damaged. Undaunted by the seriousness of the situation, Captain Davis was able to make the necessary radio transmission and navigate by dead reckoning to a medical facility. His exceptional aeronautical ability and calm presence of mind in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds were an inspiration to all who observed him and undoubtedly saved his aircraft from destruction and his crew and passengers from injury or death;. Captain Davis’s courage, superb airmanship, and unfaltering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
CaptainBatallion:
Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262 (HMM-262)Regiment:
Marine Aircraft Group 39 (MAG-39)Division:
1st Marine Aircraft WingAction Date:
September 20, 1968
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Alan F. Davis (MCSN: 0-92159), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron TWO HUNDRED SIXTY-TWO (HMM-262), Provisional Marine Aircraft Group THIRTY-NINE (MAG-39), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. Late on the night of 20 September 1968, Captain Davis launched as Section Leader of a flight of two CH-46 transport helicopters assigned to medically evacuate wounded Marines from a ridge line north of the Rockpile in Quang Tri Province. Arriving over the designated area, he was informed by the Forward Air Controller that the landing zone was surrounded by high trees and that the best avenue of approach to avoid possible enemy fire was from the southeast. Undaunted by the adverse weather conditions and a heavy volume of hostile fire directed at his aircraft as he approached the landing zone, Captain Davis fearlessly continued his approach until the increased intensity of enemy mortar, small arms and automatic weapons fire forced him to abort his landing. Electing to attempt another landing, he skillfully coordinated his second approach with gunship attacks and directed his crew in delivering a heavy volume of continuous suppressive fire as he skillfully maneuvered his CH-46 to a landing in the hazardous area. Although subjected to intense mortar and automatic weapons fire, he steadfastly remained on the ground until eight casualties were embarked before expeditiously departing the dangerous location. Delivering two critically wounded men to a hospital ship, he then proceeded with the remaining casualties to the medical facility at Quang Tri. By his courage, superb airmanship and selfless devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Captain Davis was instrumental in saving the lives of several Marines and thereby upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.