The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Private Donald Davies, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in the vicinity of Hamby, France, on 31 July 1944. As a member of a three-man patrol, Private Davies advanced far beyond his company lines in an effort to determine enemy strength and dispositions. The patrol suddenly found itself surrounded by an enemy force of superior strength. The enemy promptly closed in, captured the trio and marched them to a nearby barn. A German officer, addressing the leader of the patrol, demanded that he divulge the location and strength of the attacking American unit. The leader refused to comply, whereupon the German officer shot and killed him. He then turned to another member of the patrol and demanded that he provide the desired information, assuring him that he would share the fate of his leader if he refused. The Soldier flatly refused to answer and he, too, paid the supreme sacrifice for his heroic action. Private Davies was shot in the leg and the arm, but despite intense pain, he continued his heroic silence until he was subsequently rescued by his company. Private Davies’ extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 4th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.