The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Chief Warrant Officer Stephen L. Davidson (ASN: W-3157744), United States Army, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight from 13 July 1976 to 15 July 1976, while in command of a mission to rescue two injured climbers from the 15,000 foot level of Mt. McKinley. Piloting a CH-47 helicopter and thwarted by dense clouds, Chief Warrant Officer Davidson spent 20 hours in the attempt, establishing a new high altitude record for this aircraft by flying 4,000 feet above its normal maximum altitude and a scant 1,000 feet below its maximum emergency ceiling. Despite using maximum power, Chief Warrant Officer Davidson’s aircraft had a dangerously low rotor RPM when the successful rescue was made. Chief Warrant Officer Davidson’s superior abilities as a pilot and his sincere compassion for his fellow man reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
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Awards Received
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Air Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Air Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Chief Warrant OfficerAction Date:
February 11 – May 23, 1988
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Air Medal to Chief Warrant Officer Stephen L. Davidson (ASN: W-3157744), United States Army, for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight during the period 11 February 1988 to 23 May 1988. During this period, Chief Warrant Officer Davidson conducted reconnaissance, surveillance, and attack operations from ocean going platforms in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman in support of United States Flagged Shipping and United States Naval vessels. Chief Warrant Officer Davidson demonstrated superior aviator skills requiring intricate flight operations and endurance that directly contributed to the success of a national effort, reflecting great credit on him and the United States Army.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Warrant Officer (W-1)Batallion:
227th Aviation Battalion (Assault Helicopter)Action Date:
April 19, 1968
Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), General Orders No. 6385 (June 26, 1968)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer (W-1) Stephen L. Davidson (ASN: W-3157744), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Warrant Officer Davidson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 19 April 1968, while serving as a pilot of an armed helicopter during a combat mission in the A Shau Valley, Republic of Vietnam. While air assaulting troops into enemy controlled terrain, Warrant Officer Davidson constantly exposed himself to the intense hostile ground fire as he air lifted troops and supplies into the embattled area. Although his aircraft received numerous hits from the hostile ground fire, Warrant Officer Davidson successfully completed his mission. His outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Chief Warrant Officer Five (WO-5)Action Date:
June 1, 1988 – May 31, 1998
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Chief Warrant Officer Five (WO-5) Stephen L. Davidson (ASN: W-3157744), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in critically demanding positions involving situations of National Command Authority importance during the period 1 June 1988 to 31 May 1998, culminating in his final assignment as the Army’s subject matter expert in the field of Foreign Aviation Technology. Chief Warrant Officer Davidson’s performance was always characterized by an innovative and aggressive devotion to duty, unwavering competence and flawless execution. The epitome of the very best of the Warrant Officer Corps, Chief Warrant Officer Five Davidson’s magnificent achievements reflect distinct credit upon him, the United States Army Operational Test and Evaluation Command and the United States Army.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Warrant Officer (W-1)Batallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
7th Cavalry RegimentDivision:
1st Cavalry DivisionAction Date:
April 4, 1968
Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), General Orders No. 5667 (June 22, 1968)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer (W-1) Stephen L. Davidson (ASN: W-3157744), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Warrant Officer Davidson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 4 April 1968. While serving as Aircraft Commander of the command and control helicopter during a combat operation near Khe Sanh, Republic of Vietnam. When ground fighting resulted in several serious casualties which were in dire need of medical attention, medical evacuation helicopters were requested. Arriving at the scene, they made three attempts to land, but came under intense fire each time and received hits which required it to return to base. At this time Warrant Officer Davidson piloted the command and control helicopter down through the intense ground fire completely ignoring his personal safety. Upon landing, two casualties were loaded quickly loaded aboard and Warrant Officer Davidson again skillfully piloted the aircraft while completely exposed to the intense machine gun and automatic weapons fire. His outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.