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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Lowell M. Davis, United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. During the early morning hours of 16 May 1953, Lieutenant Davis was directing his company in the defense of Outpost “Harry” against a numerically superior hostile attack in the vicinity of Songnae-dong, Korea. The enemy began shelling the area with artillery and mortar concentrations. Soon after, the hostile troops began their attack with small arms fire and hand grenades. Lieutenant Davis immediately took control of the situation and began planning operations to strengthen the defense of the outpost. He moved through the platoon areas that were subjected to intense mortar, artillery and small arms fire to observe the attack and keep well informed of the enemy’s action. He exposed himself to the enemy fire to rally his men and direct their fire at the oncoming foe. As a result of his courage and inspirational leadership, his men repelled the attack. Lieutenant Davis’ outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    65th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    October 27, 1952
    Headquarters, EIGHTH U.S. Army, Korea, General Orders No. 842 (September 13, 1953)

    The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Lowell M. Davis, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving Company G, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Davis distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Kach il-Li, Korea, on the afternoon of 27 October 1952. On that date, Lieutenant Davis was in command of an outpost approximately two miles forward of the main line of resistance which was assaulted after receiving a heavy concentration of hostile artillery and mortar fire. Constantly exposed to enemy fire, Lieutenant Davis moved among his men, coordinating the defense of the position and encouraging them, until the enemy assault was stemmed. He then reorganized his unit and established control in the sector. Later that night, the enemy launched a 2d Battalion-sized assault, storming the outpost through their own barrage. While moving among his men, Lieutenant Davis was rendered unconscious by concussion from a shell burst. When he regained consciousness, he found his men engaged in bitter hand-to-hand combat with the enemy. Unhesitatingly, Lieutenant Davis ran to a machine-gun position and, finding the crew wounded, delivered accurate fire into the ranks of the advancing enemy. He further disorganized their advance by hurling accurately-placed hand grenades. When the United Nations element was ordered to withdraw, Lieutenant Davis covered the withdrawal with machine-gun fire. After the last man had left the position, he removed the gun from its mount and carried it with him, providing covering fire as he moved back. The courage, indomitable fortitude, and inspiring leadership displayed by First Lieutenant Davis reflect the highest credit on himself and the United States Army.