The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel William Joseph Davis (MCSN: 0-49480), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving in various capacities with the FIRST Marine Division in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam from 25 August 1967 through 21 June 1968. Initially assigned as the Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, Seventh Marines, Lieutenant Colonel Davis continually displayed exceptional leadership and sound judgment in the accomplishment of all assigned tasks, instilling in his units the desire to aggressively engage the enemy. On 3 January 1968, when the Viet Cong attempted a major rocket attack on the DaNang vital area from within his Tactical Area of Responsibility, his observation posts pinpointed the launching sites so rapidly that artillery fire was brought to bear on the enemy within two minutes of the initial launch, forcing the Viet Cong to delay and eventually abort their mission, leaving behind twenty-two unfired rockets. On another occasion, his units closed so rapidly on an enemy force that the Marines captured the first 122-mm. rocket launcher complete with sight, tripod and firing device. Skillfully leading his battalion in battle, Lieutenant Colonel Davis was consistently in a forward position where, despite the heavy volume of fire, he personally directed the actions of his men, encouraging and inspiring them by his presence in the hazardous area. Vigorously pursuing all pacification and redevelopment programs which would improve the living standards of the Vietnamese people, he worked tirelessly to develop a comprehensive civil affairs program and succeeded in establishing mutual respect and smooth working relationships with civilian and military leaders. Reassigned on 17 March as the G-3 Operations Officer for the FIRST Marine Division, Lieutenant Colonel Davis continued to distinguish himself by his superior professional skill. His foresight was largely responsible for providing continuity of effort, despite frequent changes in personnel, and earned him the respect and admiration of all his associates. As a result of his tact and diplomacy, he maintained outstanding relations with commanders of other Allied Forces. By his superior professional ability, inspiring leadership and unwavering devotion to duty throughout, Lieutenant Colonel Davis rendered distinguished service to his country and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Colonel Davis is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
First LieutenantBatallion:
1st BattalionRegiment:
7th MarinesDivision:
1st Marine Division (Rein.)Action Date:
November 2 & 3, 1950
SPOT AWARD: 1st Marine Division, Serial 10643The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant William Joseph Davis (MCSN: 0-49480), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving a 60-mm. Mortar Section Commander of Company A, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 2 and 3 November 1950. Quick to act when his company was subjected to a strong hostile counterattack, First Lieutenant Davis immediately advanced to a forward position under intense enemy machine-gun, mortar and artillery fire and, remaining in his exposed position, called and adjusted accurate and effective mortar fire until the aggressors were repulsed thirty hours later. By his aggressive and determined leadership, fortitude and cool courage in the face of heavy odds, First Lieutenant Davis served as an inspiration to all who observed him, and his steadfast devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Lieutenant ColonelBatallion:
1st BattalionRegiment:
7th MarinesDivision:
1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMFAction Date:
February 14, 1968
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 Lieutenant Colonel William Joseph Davis (MCSN: 0-49480), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 14 February 1968, Lieutenant Colonel Davis deployed his battalion on a search and destroy operation in the vicinity of Hills 270 and 310 south of DaNang. Early in the afternoon, as Company C and the Command Group were advancing along the ridgeline of Hill 270, they observed a well-armed, estimated company of North Vietnamese maneuvering in the valley below and immediately launched an attack. Within minutes, Lieutenant Colonel Davis arrived by helicopter, courageously debarked in full view of the enemy and, after expertly assessing the situation, assumed control of the supporting fire missions. In the ensuing fire fight, he repeatedly exposed himself to hostile fire to direct air strikes and coordinate heavy artillery fire against enemy positions. In large measure as a result of his astute tactical judgment, his unit’s initial contact with the enemy resulted in thirty-three enemy confirmed killed, without sustaining a single Marine casualty. The following day, he was maneuvering his units from Hill 270 to Hill 310 when two platoons of Company C came under heavy automatic and semiautomatic weapons fire from a well-entrenched, numerically superior enemy force, sustained several casualties and were temporarily pinned down. Without hesitation, Lieutenant Colonel Davis led the Command Group forward to reinforce the beleaguered company. Directing his men to covered positions, he fearlessly continued across the open, fire-swept area to the most forward position where, despite the heavy volume of enemy fire which struck the ground around him, he directed the fire of his men, encouraging and inspiring them by his presence in the hazardous area. With great skill and daring, he coordinated air strikes to within fifty meters of his position and directed strafing and simulated bombing passes over the entrenched enemy, enabling medical evacuation helicopters to enter a small clearing and extract the casualties. Throughout the entire operation, Lieutenant Colonel Davis remained exposed to hostile fire to direct his men, coordinate the medical evacuation flights and adjust supporting arms. Under his dynamic leadership, the battalion sustained only minimum casualties while inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy, including sixty-five North Vietnamese soldiers confirmed killed. His intrepid actions and indomitable fighting spirit inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in the successful accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his extraordinary courage, superb leadership and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Lieutenant Colonel Davis upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.