The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Landon Leslie Davis, Jr. (NSN: 0-82772), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Diving Officer aboard the U.S.S. GROWLER (SS-215), on the FOURTH War Patrol of that Submarine in Japanese controlled waters. During months of maneuvering through an area continuously menaced by enemy air and surface craft, Lieutenant Davis contributed materially to two successful attacks on Japanese vessels, in which one freighter of 5,400 tons was sunk and one of 6,500 tons damaged. On the early morning of 7 February 1943, after the GROWLER had rammed and probably sunk an enemy gunboat, but had suffered dangerous leaks and other severe damage, Lieutenant Davis, after his ship had dived, coolly and calmly maintained depth control under most adverse conditions, thereby enabling his ship subsequently to surface, effect emergency repairs, and reach port safely. His skill, courage, and heroic devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.