The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Arthur Cayley Davis (NSN: 0-9011), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as Chief of Staff to the Commander FIFTH Fleet, from September 1944 to July 1945. Expertly applying his experience and thorough understanding of the tactical employment of aircraft to the planning of FIFTH Fleet operations, Rear Admiral Davis rendered distinguished and invaluable service in coordinating the progress of their execution. His keen knowledge of the strategic aspects of the war against Japan implemented by his complete appreciation of the capabilities of the forces under the command of Commander FIFTH Fleet were essential factors in the successful capture and occupation of Iwo Jima and positions in Okinawa Gunto and in extending control of the sea and air throughout the Western Pacific to the Nansei Shoto and the East China Sea. Forceful and courageous in administrating the duties of this exacting assignment, Rear Admiral Davis made an important contribution to the success of FIFTH Fleet Forces in speeding the ultimate capitulation of the Japanese Empire.
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Awards Received
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Navy Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Vice AdmiralDivision:
U.S.S. Enterprise (CV-6)Action Date:
April 20, 1954 – September 29, 1955
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral Arthur Cayley Davis (NSN: 0-9011), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (International Security Affairs), from 20 April 1954 to 29 September 1955. Exercising administrative and planning ability of the highest caliber, Vice Admiral Davis was singularly successful in carrying out his many and exacting assignments. Often called upon to represent the Secretary of Defense at the highest interdepartmental level of government, he invariably distinguished himself by his sound judgment, keen intellect and ready grasp of intricate problems. In working with his staff, he engendered a marked spirit of loyalty and willingness among the members. Drawing from a long, rich and varied military background, he rendered invaluable service at highly important international conferences. During the extended Geneva negotiations relating to the Dien Bien Phu siege in Indo-China, he was personally instrumental in charting a wise course of action for the United States when Western Nations were placed in the critical position of negotiating a suitable settlement in this delicate situation. An extremely able and resourceful officer, he served as advisor to the Secretary of State in high-level meetings in Paris which established the background for the then forthcoming Geneva “Summit” Conference. In his meetings with United States Ambassadors and foreign dignitaries, he contributed in large measure to the solving of complex military-politico problems. His exceptional professional skill and inspiring devotion to duty throughout reflect the highest credit upon Vice Admiral Davis, the United States Department of Defense and the Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Vice AdmiralAction Date:
November 1, 1953 – April 19, 1954
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 61 (October 17, 1955)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in addition to a previously awarded Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit (Army Award) to Vice Admiral Arthur Cayley Davis (NSN: 0-9011), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs and as Director of Foreign Military Affairs from 1 November 1953 to 19 April 1954. Admiral Davis’ comprehensive knowledge of the Army’s mission and capabilities and his ability to interject them effectively into his official relations qualified him uniquely for the post he occupied on the Department of Defense Staff. Admiral Davis’ close cooperation with the Army and sincere understanding of its objectives have been instrumental in the successful accomplishment of the Army’s mission while the diplomacy, efficiency and perspicacity with which he carried out the functions of his officer earned him the respect and admiration of the military departments. The wisdom, human understanding and deep sense of responsibility manifested in the discharge of his office reflect the utmost credit upon Admiral Davis and upheld the esteemed traditions of the military service of the United States.
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear AdmiralDivision:
U.S.S. Enterprise (CV-6)Action Date:
August 24, 1942
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Rear Admiral Arthur Cayley Davis (NSN: 0-9011), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), in action with enemy Japanese forces near the Solomon Islands, on 24 August 1942. By his remarkable seamanship, resourcefulness and his outstanding skill in maneuvering his ship, Rear Admiral Davis met the vigorous Japanese dive-bombing attack coolly and courageously, holding the damage by bomb hits to the ENTERPRISE to a minimum and, in turn, inflicting heavy casualties on the attacking enemy planes. His intrepid fighting spirit and inspiring devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear Admiral [then Captain]Action Date:
December 7, 1941 – June 30, 1942
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral [then Captain] Arthur Cayley Davis (NSN: 0-9011), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Fleet Aviation Officer assigned to the Staff of the Commander-in-Chief, United States Pacific Fleet from 7 December 1941 to 30 June 1942. Successfully solving many perplexing problems attendant to the aviation needs of the Pacific Fleet, Rear Admiral Davis assisted materially in making possible the aircraft carrier raids in the Central Pacific in the early stages of the war. His energy, keen foresight, and technical knowledge were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Vice AdmiralAction Date:
September 20, 1949 – August 16, 1953
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 Vice Admiral Arthur Cayley Davis (NSN: 0-9011), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Director, The Joint Staff, Joint Chiefs of Staff, and as Deputy United States Representative to the Standing Group, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, during the period 20 September 1949 to 16 August 1953. Eminently qualified in the field of international politics and global strategy, Admiral Davis rendered invaluable service throughout this period in fulfilling his various and exacting assignments. Utilizing his wide and thorough knowledge of the three branches of the military service, he succeeded in gaining the full confidence of all his associates and, by his foresightedness, sound judgment and expert planning ability, was able to propound ideas and submit recommendations which revealed an exceptional comprehension of the questions involved and which served to promote harmony and good will. An executive of the highest caliber, he worked tirelessly toward the development of an effective and durable North Atlantic Treaty Organization and aided immeasurably in solving many complex and unprecedented problems requiring the utmost in technical competence and statesman-like thinking to further the concept and effectiveness of collective security. In his contacts with the highest level military and political officials of all nations involved in the Alliance, he exhibited a keen understanding of the nature of his extremely important responsibilities and, through the very force of his character and personality, achieved results of tremendous value to the United States, as well as to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. His distinguished professional ability and selfless devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Vice Admiral Davis and the United States Naval Service.