George Fleming Davis
Commander, U.S. Navy
Medal of Honor Recipient
World War II

Commander George Fleming Davis (23 March 1911 - 6 January 1945) was a U.S. Navy officer who was posthumously awarded America's highest military award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for actions during World War II.

George Fleming Davis was born in Manila, Philippines, on 23 March 1911. He was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy from the Naval Reserve in 1930 and graduated in May 1934. Ensign Davis' first duty station was the new heavy cruiser USS Tuscaloosa (CA-37). While in that ship he served as an aircraft gunnery observer with her embarked aviation units. From 1939 to 1941 Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Davis served as an officer of the destroyer USS Broome (DD-210) and fast minesweeper USS Hopkins (DD-249).

Outbreak of World War II

Following promotion to the rank of Lieutenant in mid-1941, he was assigned to the battleship USS Oklahoma (BB-37), which was sunk on 7 December 1941 when Japan's surprise attack on Pearl Harbor began the Pacific War.

In January 1942, Lieutenant Davis was transferred to the light cruiser USS Honolulu (CL-48), in which he participated in operations in the Aleutian Islands, the hard fighting over Guadalcanal and the Central Solomons, and the campaign to recover Guam. He was promoted to Lieutenant Commander, and then Commander, while serving in Honolulu, which he left in mid-1944. Following training in advanced surface warfare techniques, he was given command of the destroyer USS Walke (DD-723) which, during the invasion, was attacked by four Japanese Kamikazes. Though Walke shot down two, the third plane struck the ship, enveloping her bridge area in burning gasoline. Though horribly burned, Commander Davis remained on his feet, conned the ship, directed damage control efforts and saw to the destruction of the fourth suicide plane. Only when Walke's survival was assured did he relinquish his post to be taken below, where he died a short time later.

For his heroic conduct, Commander George F. Davis was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

Medal of Honor

Rank and organization: Commander, U.S. Navy.

Place and date: Lingayen Gulf, Luzon, Philippine Islands, 6 January 1945.

Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life and beyond the call of duty as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. Walke engaged in a detached mission in support of minesweeping operations to clear the waters for entry of our heavy surface and amphibious forces preparatory to the invasion of Lingayen Gulf, Luzon, Philippine Islands, 6 January 1945. Operating without gun support of other surface ships when 4 Japanese suicide planes were detected flying low overland to attack simultaneously, Comdr. Davis boldly took his position in the exposed wings of the bridge and directed control to pick up the leading plane and open fire. Alert and fearless as the Walke's deadly fire sent the first target crashing into the water and caught the second as it passed close over the bridge to plunge into the sea of portside, he remained steadfast in the path of the third plane plunging swiftly to crash the after end of the bridge structure. Seriously wounded when the craft struck, drenched with gasoline and immediately enveloped in flames, he conned the Walke in the midst of the wreckage; he rallied his command to heroic efforts; he exhorted his officers and men to save the ship and, still on his feet, saw the barrage from his guns destroy the fourth suicide bomber. With the fires under control and the safety of the ship assured, he consented to be carried below. Succumbing several hours later, Comdr. Davis by his example of valor and his unhesitating self-sacrifice, steeled the fighting spirit of his command into unyielding purpose in completing a vital mission. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.

Medals and Awards

Medal of Honor
Silver Star Medal
Legion of Merit

Honors

The destroyer USS Davis (DD-937), 1957-1994, was named in his honor.

Death and Burial

Commander George Fleming Davis was killed in action on 6 January 1945. His body is buried at sea.

Commander George F. Davis' name is inscribed on the Tablets of the Missing at Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in Manila, Manila City, Philippines.