General Raymond G. Davis
United States Marine Corps (Retired)

General Davis was born on January 13, 1915 in Fitzgerald, GA and attended Atlanta Technical High School. He is a 1938 graduate of Georgia Tech, where he earned a BchE. General Davis was commissioned a marine second lieutenant. He earned a Purple Heart and Navy Cross for his actions in the Palua Islands Operation. President Truman presented General Davis with the Medal of Honor for his efforts in the Korean conflict. After completing the special weapons Employment Course in 1955, General Davis served as the director of the senior school.

General Davis also served on the staff of the Commander in Chief, Europe. He was then ordered to the Republic of Vietnam, serving as Deputy Commanding General, Provisional Corps. He then became Commanding General of the 3rd Marine Division, where he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal. General Davis returned to the US in 1969 and was assigned as Deputy for Education. He was promoted to Lieutenant General in 1970 and was reassigned as Commanding General, Marine Corps Development and Education Command. President Nixon nominated Davis for the grade of general and reassigned him to the position of Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps.

General Davis retired in 1972, having served the US Marine Corp for more than 33 years. He was charged with the design, construction, funding, and dedication of the National Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., where he served as National Co-Chairman of the Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Korean War, and National Chairman for the About Face, America Program.  General Davis passed away September 3, 2003. He is survived by his wife, two sons, a daughter and seven grandchildren.

CITATION:

Rank and organization: Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.). Place and date: Vicinity Hagaru-ri, Korea, 1 through 4 December 1950. Entered service at: Atlanta, Ga. Born: 13 January 1915, Fitzgerald, Ga. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and  intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of the 1st Battalion, in action against enemy aggressor forces. Although keenly aware that the operation involved breaking through a surrounding enemy and advancing 8 miles along primitive icy trails in the bitter cold with every passage disputed by a savage and determined foe, Lt. Col. Davis boldly led his battalion into the attack in a daring attempt to relieve a beleaguered rifle company and to seize, hold, and defend a vital mountain pass controlling the only route available for 2 marine regiments in danger of being cut off by numerically superior hostile forces during their re-deployment to the port of Hungnam. When the battalion immediately encountered strong opposition from entrenched enemy forces commanding high ground in the path of the advance, he promptly spearheaded his unit in a fierce attack up the steep, ice-covered slopes in the face of withering fire and, personally leading the assault groups in a hand-to-hand encounter, drove the hostile troops from their positions, rested his men, and reconnoitered the area under enemy fire to determine the best route for continuing the mission. Always in the thick of the fighting Lt. Col. Davis led his battalion over 3 successive ridges in the deep snow in continuous attacks against the enemy and, constantly inspiring and encouraging his men throughout the night, brought his unit to a point within 1,500 yards of the surrounded rifle company by daybreak. Although knocked to the ground when a shell fragment struck his helmet and 2 bullets pierced his clothing, he arose and fought his way forward at the head of his men until he reached the isolated marines. On the following morning, he bravely led his battalion in securing the vital mountain pass from a strongly entrenched and numerically superior hostile force, carrying all his  wounded with him, including 22 litter cases and numerous ambulatory patients. Despite repeated savage and heavy assaults by the enemy, he stubbornly held the vital terrain until the 2 regiments of the division had deployed through the pass and, on the morning of 4 December, led his battalion into Hagaru-ri intact. By his superb leadership, outstanding courage, and brilliant tactical ability, Lt. Col. Davis was directly instrumental in saving the beleaguered rifle company from complete annihilation and enabled the 2 marine regiments to escape possible destruction. His valiant devotion to duty and unyielding fighting spirit in the face of almost insurmountable odds enhance and sustain the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

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