Today, I honor and remember George Fleming Davis, who received the Medal of Honor for his heroic leadership while commanding the USS Walke during the liberation of Luzon. #hero #usnavy #leader #patriotic #warrior #worldwar2 #worldwarII #americanhistory

Attacked by four kamikazes, Davis skillfully brought his ship & crew to safety, staying on the bridge despite being covered in gasoline & horribly wounded. He led his ship in the fight before succumbing to his wounds hours after the battle. Four kamikazes attacked the Walke, which shot down the first two. The third struck the bridge, but Davis righted control of the ship and saw his crew evade and then shoot down the fourth plane.

Born in Manila, Davis went to the Naval Academy, graduating in 1934 and was aboard the USS Oklahoma on December 7, 1941. He then served in the opening battles of World War II at Guadalcanal and the Solomons, before getting command of the Walke in November 1944.

Davis had earned the Silver Star on December 7, 1944, while commanding the Walker, and the Legion of Merit with Combat V for his time as the Damage Control office of the USS Honolulu from 1942-1944. You can read all of Davis’ award citations here (click at right for the Silver Star and Legion of Merit).

Davis was buried at sea, but a plaque at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific honors him at the Punchbowl Crater. Please help me honor and remember George Fleming Davis on January 6!