The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Major (Infantry), [then Captain] Charles Willis Davis, United States Army, for distinguishing himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy on Guadalcanal Island, while serving with 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. On 12 January 1943, Major Davis, executive officer of an infantry battalion, volunteered to carry instructions to the leading companies of his battalion which had been caught in crossfire from Japanese machineguns. With complete disregard for his own safety, he made his way to the trapped units, delivered the instructions, supervised their execution, and remained overnight in this exposed position. On the following day, Major Davis again volunteered to lead an assault on the Japanese position which was holding up the advance. When his rifle jammed at its first shot, he drew his pistol and, waving his men on, led the assault over the top of the hill. Electrified by this action, another body of soldiers followed and seized the hill. The capture of this position broke Japanese resistance and the battalion was then able to proceed and secure the corps objective. The courage and leadership displayed by Major Davis inspired the entire battalion and unquestionably led to the success of its attack.