The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Captain Donald Cooke Davis (NSN: 0-283361), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from October 1968 to June 1969 as Fleet Operations Officer on the Staff of the Commander-in-Chief, United States Pacific Fleet. Exercising outstanding direction and forceful supervision, Captain Davis personally contributed to the rapid and effective response in meeting the challenges posed by the constantly-changing operations of the United States Pacific Fleet. Through his initiative and resourceful planning, coupled with sound judgment and a wide experience in naval operations, he readily comprehended and expertly resolved the problems of distribution of forces during a period when the heaviest demands were levied for the proper and efficient use of available assets. In such important areas as operational planning and maintenance of fleet readiness within the constraints of existing political and austere funding considerations, Captain Davis rendered exemplary and invaluable service to the Commander-in-Chief, providing an outstanding example and goal for all with whom he came in contact. His competence in situational evaluation, implementation of directives from higher authority, and managerial direction of the Pacific Fleet materially enhanced Pacific Fleet readiness. By his exceptional leadership, professional competence, and untiring devotion to duty, Captain Davis upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Captain Donald Cooke Davis (NSN: 0-283361), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Task Group SEVENTY-SEVEN Point FOUR, Commanding Officer, U.S.S. KITTY HAWK (CVA-63) and Commander Task Force SEVENTY-SEVEN from 23 December 1967 to 1 June 1968. During this period Captain Davis was responsible for planning, coordinating and executing combat air strike operations against the enemy in Southeast Asia. An outstanding leader, Captain Davis constantly demonstrated enthusiasm, professional skill and sound judgment while directing air strikes against significant military targets and lines of communications in North Vietnam. The outstanding combat performance of the U.S.S. KITTY HAWK and her embarked Air Wing was the direct result of Captain Davis’ analyses of tactical situations, comprehensive planning and dynamic leadership. His performance of duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Donald Cooke Davis (NSN: 0-283361), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Assistant for Navy Programs, F-111 System Program Officer, Air Force Systems Command, from 16 February 1963 to 1 April 1966. During this period, Captain Davis demonstrated professional skill and managerial competence which contributed immeasurably to what is to become one of the major tactical and strategic weapons of the free world. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Captain Davis reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.