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Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division. Place and date: Quang
Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam, 6 September 1967. Entered service
at: Macon, Ga. Born: 7 April 1942, Macon, Ga.
Citation... For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty while serving as the right guide of the 2d Platoon, Company B,
in action against enemy forces. Elements of the 2d Platoon were
pinned down by a numerically superior force of attacking North
Vietnamese Army Regulars. Remnants of the platoon were located in a
trench line where Sgt. Davis was directing the fire of his men in an
attempt to repel the enemy attack. |
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Disregarding the enemy hand grenades and high volume of small arms and mortar fire, Sgt. Davis moved from man to man shouting words of encouragement to each of them while firing and throwing grenades at the onrushing enemy. When an enemy grenade landed in the trench in the midst of his men, Sgt. Davis, realizing the gravity of the situation, and in a final valiant act of complete self-sacrifice, instantly threw himself upon the grenade, absorbing with his body the full and terrific force of the explosion. Through his extraordinary initiative and inspiring valor in the face of almost certain death, Sgt. Davis saved his comrades from injury and possible loss of life, enabled his platoon to hold its vital position, and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country. | |
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Davis, Rodney Maxwell
