The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Staff Sergeant Luther Eugene Davis (AFSN: 14912332), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as Pararescue Technician of an HH-3E helicopter near Dak Nay Puey, Republic of Vietnam, on 15 April 1970. On that date, Sergeant Davis’ crew was attempting the rescue of an United States Army helicopter crew when he was wounded on the first attempt. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant Davis continued to deliver extremely accurate suppressive fire from his exposed position in the helicopter on two more attempts until his own helicopter was shot down, then continued to try to rescue his own crewmembers even though severely burned himself. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Davis reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-2224 (December 11, 1967)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Airman Second Class Luther Eugene Davis (AFSN: 14912332), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as a Pararescue Specialist over North Vietnam, on 11 June 1967. On that date, Airman Davis flew as a rescue mission to recover two friendly pilots downed deep in hostile territory. Voluntarily descending on the rescue hoist, Airman Davis dangled hundreds of feet over dense bamboo jungle, which was heavily infested with hostile forces to cut the first survivor loose from his entangled parachute harness. As the helicopter encountered intense and accurate ground fire while hovering over the second survivor, Airman Davis responded immediately by delivering automatic weapon fire into unfriendly gun positions, thereby deterring the hostile forces and allowing the rescue effort to continue. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Airman Davis has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Airman Second Class Luther Eugene Davis (AFSN: 14912332), United States Air Force, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Southeast Asia.