The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant James H. Davis, United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Troop F, 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in action on 17 April 1971, in the Republic of Vietnam. Staff Sergeant Davis distinguished himself while commanding an armored cavalry assault vehicle during a reconnaissance mission north of Trang Bang. During the initial engagement with a hostile force, Sergeant Davis positioned his vehicle so that suppressive fire could be placed upon the adversary, enabling friendly casualties to be evacuated. While maneuvering his track in an effort to evacuate crew members of a Sherman tank, he was wounded by shrapnel. Ignoring his own wounds, Sergeant Davis continued his mission and later dismounted his track in a sweep operation against enemy bunkers. Staff Sergeant Davis’ gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.