The  President of  the United  States  takes  pleasure  in  presenting   the SILVER STAR MEDAL to

for service as set forth in the following

                 CITATION:

                                 "For conspicuous gallantry  and intrepidity  in action while serving  as a Pilot  with  Marine  Medium Helicopter Squadron 262,  Provisional Marine  Aircraft Group Thirty-Nine,  First Marine Aircraft Wing  in  connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. Late on the night of  20 September 1968, Captain Davis launched as Section Leader  of a flight  of two  CH-46  transport  helicopters assigned  to medically evacuate wounded Ma- rines from a ridge  line north of the  Rockpile  in  Quang Tri Province.  Arriving over  the designated  area, he was  informed by  the Forward Air Controller  that the  landing  zone was surrounded by high trees and that the best avenue of app- roach to avoid possible enemy fire was  from the  southeast.  Undaunted  by  the adverse weather  conditions  and a heavy volume  of hostile fire  directed  at  his aircraft  as he approached the landing zone, Captain Davis  fearlessly  continued his  approach  until  the  increased  intensity  of  enemy  mortar, small arms and automatic  weapons  fire  forced  him to abort his  landing.   Electing  to attempt another  landing,  he  skillfully  coordinated  his  second approach  with gunship attacks  and  directed his crew  in delivering a  heavy volume of continuous sup- pressive fire as he skillfully maneuvered his CH-46 to a landing in the hazardous area.  Although  subjected  to  intense mortar  and  automatic  weapons  fire,  he steadfastly  remained on  the ground until eight casualties were embarked before expeditiously  departing  the dangerous location.  Delivering two critically woun- ded  men to a hospital ship, he  then proceeded with  the remaining casualties to the  medical facility at Quang Tri.  By  his courage, superb airmanship  and self- less  devotion  to duty in  the face of  great personal  danger, Captain Davis  was instrumental  in saving the lives of several Marines and thereby upheld the high- est traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service."