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Emmett
S.
Davis

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Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Action Date:

    April 1943 – December 1945
    Headquarters, U.S. Air Forces, Pacific, General Orders No. 162 (April 27, 1946)

    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 Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Emmett S. Davis (ASN: 0-399849), United States Army Air Forces, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the Southwest Pacific Area and Japan, from April 1943 to July 1944 and from February to December 1945. As Commanding Officer, 35th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Group, and Executive Officer, 85th Fighter Wing, Colonel Davis displayed outstanding qualifications of leadership, technical proficiency, and organizing ability in leading his men in aerial combat. His marked command and executive ability was reflected in the relentlessness and skill with which the Fighter Group drove a numerically superior hostile force from the skies and supported the assault against Saidor, New Guinea. In New Britain he skillfully led his group in the ceaseless destruction of Japanese airplanes and personnel, despite the adversities of operating from an advanced jungle base. As Air Support Commander aboard the U.S.S. ROCKY MOUNTAIN during the invasion of Tarakan, he ably coordinated the participation of allied aircraft in support of the initial landing. In addition, he capably led the 8th Fighter Group in the final devastating strike against the Japanese homeland, and upon the capitulation of the enemy, directed the rapid and efficient establishment of his organization in the occupation of Kyushu, Japan. Through his exceptional knowledge of fighter tactics, inspiring leadership, and devotion to duty, Colonel Davis made a significant contribution to the success of the V Fighter Command in the defeat of the Japanese Empire.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    September 27 – December 22, 1943

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Emmett S. Davis (ASN: 0-399849), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during the period from 27 September to 22 December 1943 in the Southwest Pacific Area. During this period Colonel Davis participated in sustained operational activity against the enemy during which hostile contact was probable and expected. These flights included escorting bombers and trans aircraft, interception and attack missions, and patrol and reconnaissance flights. In the course of these operations, strafing and bombing attacks were made from dangerously low altitudes, destroying and damaging enemy installations and equipment. Throughout these operations outstanding courage and devotion to duty were displayed.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    35th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    8th Fighter Group

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    November 15, 1942 – July 23, 1943
    Headquarters, 5th Air Force, General Orders No. 173 (August 10, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major (Air Corps) Emmett S. Davis (ASN: 0-399849), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with the 35th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force in operational flight missions from 15 November 1942 to 23 July 1943. Major Davis participated in fifty operational flight missions in the Southwest Pacific Area, during which hostile contact was probable and expected. These operations included escorting bombers and transport aircraft, interception and attack missions, and patrol and reconnaissance flights. In the course of these operations, strafing and bombing attacks were made from dangerously low altitudes, destroying and damaging enemy installations and equipment.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    December 26, 1943
    Headquarters, 5th Air Force, General Orders No. 148 (March 21, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Emmett S. Davis (ASN: 0-399849), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations over Cape Gloucester, New Britain, on 26 December 1943. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Davis, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.