Medal of Honor: George Fleming Davis – World War II – Philippines – January 1945

Name: George Fleming Davis
Rank: Commander
Organization: U.S. Navy
Ship: USS Walke (DD-723)
Place: Off Lingayen Gulf, Luzon, Philippine Islands
Born: Manila, Philippine Islands
Accredited To: Philippine Islands

Summary of Action

On 6 January 1945, Commander George Fleming Davis was commanding officer of the USS Walke, operating independently in support of minesweeping operations off Lingayen Gulf, Luzon, in preparation for the Allied invasion of the Philippines. His ship was operating without the protective gunfire support of other surface vessels when four Japanese suicide aircraft were detected approaching at low altitude for a coordinated attack.

Commander Davis immediately took position on the exposed bridge wings, personally directing gunfire control against the incoming aircraft. Under his leadership, the Walke’s guns destroyed the first attacker and sent the second crashing into the sea after it passed dangerously close over the bridge. As the third aircraft plunged toward the ship, Commander Davis remained at his post. The kamikaze struck the after end of the bridge, inflicting severe damage and setting the area ablaze.

Gravely wounded, drenched in gasoline, and surrounded by fire and wreckage, Commander Davis refused to relinquish command. Still standing amid the flames, he continued conning the ship, rallying his officers and crew, directing damage control efforts, and urging them to save the vessel. From the shattered bridge, he witnessed the ship’s guns destroy the fourth suicide bomber, ending the immediate threat.

Only after the fires were controlled and the Walke was out of danger did Commander Davis allow himself to be carried below. He succumbed to his wounds several hours later. His fearless leadership, calm under fire, and ultimate self-sacrifice ensured the survival of his ship and the successful continuation of a vital mission supporting the invasion of Luzon.

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Medal of Honor 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 off 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.