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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Nathaniel Burt Davis, Jr. (NSN: 0-72452), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron TWENTY-FOUR (MTB-24, during operations against enemy Japanese forces in New Guinea, from January to November 1944. Skillfully participating in the Campaign, Commander Davis directed fifty-three combat patrols, led his squadron on twenty-five special missions and successfully effected an aircraft rescue. Developing brilliant landing party tactics behind the enemy lines, on three occasion, he conducted small parties ashore to wipe out enemy installations, destroying food stores and capturing vital documents without casualty to our own forces and with a score of fourteen Japanese killed and nine taken prisoner. Commander Davis also developed the expert technique of landing large army scouting parties from PT boats and served as commander of PT Advanced Bases at Saidor and New Amsterdam Island. His outstanding initiative, courageous leadership and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Davis is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Action Date:

    January 18, 1944

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Nathaniel Burt Davis, Jr. (NSN: 0-72452), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy. On the night of 18 January 1944, as Officer-In-Tactical-Command of an anti-barge patrol off Reiss Point, New Guinea, he led PTs 320, 326, and 127 in an attack on three enemy barges loaded with troops. After several runs, all barges were sunk. After killing all personnel except two who were captured, he attempted to board the sinking barge to obtain possible intelligence data. An explosion aboard the barge, however, caused it to sink before it could be boarded. Throughout the action his boats were under fire not only from the barges and the shore but also from numerous small arms in the hands of the barge passengers. His courage, leadership, and absolute disregard for the enemy fire were an inspiration to officers and men alike. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy and Marine Corps Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Action Date:

    December 30, 1944

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Lieutenant Commander Nathaniel Burt Davis, Jr. (NSN: 0-72452), United States Navy, for heroism on 30 December 1944, at Mindoro, Philippine Islands, when the U.S.S. ORESTES was bombed, afire, and in imminent danger of total destruction from aviation gasoline and explosives aboard, and had therefore been abandoned. Lieutenant Commander Davis, with utter disregard for his own safety, personally and voluntarily led a part of four aboard the ORESTES. He found and evacuated two badly injured men who had been left aboard, and then assisted in fighting the fire with fire-parties from other ships, eventually bringing the blaze under control. His courage and inspiring leadership, above and beyond the call of duty, were in accord with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander [then Lieutenant Commander]

    Batallion:

    Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 24 (MTB-24)
    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces Pacific, General Orders No. 14 (June 22, 1945)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Nathaniel Burt Davis, Jr. (NSN: 0-72452), United States Navy, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit (Army Award) for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during World War II.