Navy Federal Credit Union

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) Alfred G. Davis, Jr. (ASN: 0-1303862), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, *** Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of ****, Brittany, France, 2 August 1944. Lieutenant Davis, while in the forward element of the leading company, and exposed to heavy enemy artillery fire, reported the situation to his commanding officer by radio. When the commanding officer and one of the platoon leaders in an advance company became casualties, Lieutenant Davis, in addition to his other duties, assumed command of and successfully led a rifle platoon in the attack. Observing an excellent artillery target, Lieutenant Davis radioed for and directed two barrages with such accuracy that an enemy counterattack was repelled. When a withdrawal was ordered later in the day, Lieutenant Davis assisted in evacuating all the wounded and was the last man to leave the area. The courage of Lieutenant Davis, his qualities of leadership and gallantry in action, have won the admiration of his immediate superiors and reflect high credit upon the military service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    *** Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    35th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    November 23, 1944

    Headquarters, 35th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 10 (January 30, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Alfred G. Davis, Jr. (ASN: 0-1303862), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, *** Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of ****, France, on 23 November 1944. Lieutenant Davis, Commanding Company C, *** Infantry Regiment, led his unit, as part of the 1st Battalion action, in an attack against enemy positions in ****, France. He led his troops across open terrain without armored support, until pinned down by heavy enemy fire after traversing half the distance to the village. Without thought of personal safety, he moved among his men, reorganized them and assumed a position in the point of the advance, inspiring his troops to move relentlessly forward. Lieutenant Davis and his men were again pinned down by enemy fire after reaching positions about 150 yards from the village. Despite direct fire from five enemy tanks, and mounting casualties in his ranks, Lieutenant Davis led his unit in a running attack which carried them into the village. Lieutenant Davis was wounded by machine gun fire and carried to the shelter of a building. Unable to physically be in the attack, he continued to direct the attack of his troops which succeeded in driving the Germans from the village. Lieutenant Davis’ courageous leadership and tenacity of purpose reflect credit upon his character as an officer and leader of men.