Black_Sheep Posted December 17, 2021 Report Share Posted December 17, 2021 Vietnam Veteran Sammy L. Davis - Medal of Honor Recipient Medal of Honor citation Rank and organization: Sergeant (then Private First Class), U.S. Army, Battery C, 2nd Battalion, 4th Artillery, 9th Infantry Division Place and date: West of Cai Lay, Republic of Vietnam, 18 November 1967 Entered service at: Indianapolis, Indiana Born: 1 November 1946, Dayton, Ohio For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life and beyond the call of duty. Sgt. Davis (then Pfc.) distinguished himself during the early morning hours while serving as a cannoneer with Battery C, at a remote fire support base. At approximately 0200 hours, the fire support base was under heavy enemy mortar attack. Simultaneously, an estimated reinforced Viet Cong battalion launched a fierce ground assault upon the fire support base. The attacking enemy drove to within 25 meters of the friendly positions. Only a river separated the Viet Cong from the fire support base. Detecting a nearby enemy position, Sgt. Davis seized a machine gun and provided covering fire for his guncrew, as they attempted to bring direct artillery fire on the enemy. Despite his efforts, an enemy recoilless rifle round scored a direct hit upon the artillery piece. The resultant blast hurled the guncrew from their weapon and blew Sgt. Davis into a foxhole. He struggled to his feet and returned to the howitzer, which was burning furiously. Ignoring repeated warnings to seek cover, Sgt. Davis rammed a shell into the gun. Disregarding a withering hail of enemy fire directed against his position, he aimed and fired the howitzer which rolled backward, knocking Sgt. Davis violently to the ground. Undaunted, he returned to the weapon to fire again when an enemy mortar round exploded within 20 meters of his position, injuring him painfully. Nevertheless, Sgt. Davis loaded the artillery piece, aimed and fired. Again he was knocked down by the recoil. In complete disregard for his safety, Sgt. Davis loaded and fired 3 more shells into the enemy. Disregarding his extensive injuries and his inability to swim, Sgt. Davis picked up an air mattress and struck out across the deep river to rescue 3 wounded comrades on the far side. Upon reaching the 3 wounded men, he stood upright and fired into the dense vegetation to prevent the Viet Cong from advancing. While the most seriously wounded soldier was helped across the river, Sgt. Davis protected the 2 remaining casualties until he could pull them across the river to the fire support base. Though suffering from painful wounds, he refused medical attention, joining another howitzer crew which fired at the large Viet Cong force until it broke contact and fled. Sgt. Davis' extraordinary heroism, at the risk of his life, are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cunuckgaucho Posted December 17, 2021 Report Share Posted December 17, 2021 Damn The bit with the air mattress was pretty impressive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unforgiven Posted December 17, 2021 Report Share Posted December 17, 2021 Wow great link brother, forever loved 🇺🇸 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
98Z5V Posted December 18, 2021 Report Share Posted December 18, 2021 This was a wild story. That guy is the epitome of American Hero. His words for his service are, "I was only doing my job." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rsquared Posted December 19, 2021 Report Share Posted December 19, 2021 Outstanding. Absolutely outstanding. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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