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George Fleming Davis was born in Manila, Philippine Islands, 23 March 1911 , son of John Alexander Davis and Mrs. (Sarah Frances Fleming) Davis. He attended Pumahou School in Honolutu, T.H. and on July 1, 1930 was appointed Midshipman in the Naval Reserve, from which he entered the Naval Academy. He graduated and was commissioned Ensign, 31 May 1934.
He was on board OKLAHOMA (BB 37) when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, and served in HONOLULU (CL 48) from 1942 to 1944, earning the Legion of Merit for his services as Damage Control Officer. He was given command of WALKE (DD 723) and died on board her 6 January 1945 as a result of a Japanese suicide plane attack. For his fearlessness in directing the destruction of four attacking kamikazes and his refusal to leave the bridge despite serious injuries until the safety of his ship was assured, Commander Davis was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to
*DAVIS, GEORGE FLEMING
Rank and organization: Commander, U.S. Navy. Born: 23 March 1911, Manila, Philippine Islands. Accredited to: Philippine Islands. Other Navy awards: Silver Star Medal, Legion of Merit.
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.
