The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Ransom Kerby Davis, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff to a Naval Task Force commander during the invasion of the Island of Sicily, 8 August 1943 to 11 August 1943. Captain Ransom skillfully assisted in the planning and subsequent execution of the vital landing operations behind enemy lines at Terranova, Sardinia, and later at Brolo, Sicily, thereby contributing materially to the rapid and successful advance of the SEVENTH Army toward Messina. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Captain Davis and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. [Captain Davis is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.]

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Ransom Kerby Davis, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff of a Naval Task Force Commander, prior to and during the invasion of Southern France in August 1944. Captain Davis effectively coordinated the activities of the staff administrative and planning agencies during the intensive preparations for the conduct of the major assault and bombardment support operations. His outstanding tact and skillful application to the solution of complex problems arising from the large scale nature of these operations, together with his excellent knowledge of amphibious warfare, were of extreme value in placing the assault and support units in a high state of combat readiness. Throughout the assault phase, Captain Davis’ advice and sound decisions on problems affecting the initial establishment of the beachhead and the attack on the coastal defenses commanding the approaches to the ports of Toulon and Marseilles, contributed materially to the phenomenal success achieved by Allied forces in gaining a foothold for the expulsion of the enemy from Southern France. The extraordinary ability, sound judgment, and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Captain Davis reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. [Captain Davis is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.]