Heroic Actions of SGT Sammy L. Davis Under Fire

SGT Sammy L. Davis (then PFC) distinguished himself in the early morning hours while serving as a cannoneer with Battery C at a remote fire support base. Around 0200 hours, the base came under heavy enemy mortar attack. At the same time, a reinforced Viet Cong battalion launched a fierce ground assault. The enemy advanced to within 25 meters of the friendly positions, separated only by a river. Detecting a nearby enemy position, SGT Davis grabbed a machine gun and provided covering fire for his gun crew as they attempted to bring direct artillery fire onto the enemy. Despite his efforts, a recoilless rifle round hit the artillery piece, throwing the gun crew and SGT Davis into a nearby foxhole.

Though injured, SGT Davis got back on his feet and returned to the fiercely burning howitzer. Ignoring repeated warnings to take cover, he rammed a shell into the gun and, despite intense enemy fire, aimed and fired. The recoil knocked him to the ground. Undeterred, he rose and prepared to fire again when an enemy mortar round exploded just 20 meters away, causing him further injury. Nevertheless, SGT Davis continued to load and fire the howitzer, each time being knocked down by the recoil. With complete disregard for his own safety, he loaded and fired three more shells into the advancing enemy.

Despite his injuries and inability to swim, SGT Davis then picked up an air mattress and crossed the deep river to rescue three wounded comrades on the far side. After reaching them, he stood and fired into the dense vegetation to hold off the Viet Cong. While the most seriously wounded soldier was helped across the river, SGT Davis protected the remaining two until he could pull them safely across to the fire support base. Refusing medical attention for his painful wounds, SGT Davis rejoined another howitzer crew and continued firing at the enemy until the Viet Cong broke contact and fled.

SGT Sammy L. Davis' extraordinary heroism, at great risk to his life, upholds the highest traditions of military service and brings immense credit to himself and the U.S. Army.