UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS---------------- HEADQUARTERS, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC--------------------- ---------------------FPO, SAN FRANCISCO 96601

               The  President of the United States  takes  pleasure  in  presenting  the
DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS to

for service as set forth in the following

               CITATION:

               "For  heroism  and  extraordinary  achievement  in  aerial  flight  while serving  as  a  Pilot  with  Marine  Medium  Helicopter  Squadron  364,   Marine Aircraft  Group  Thirty-Six,   First  Marine  Aircraft  Wing   in  connection  with operations  against  insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in  the  Republic of Vietnam.  On 14 December 1967, Captain DAVIS launched as Copilot aboard a CH-46  helicopter participating  in a troop movement near Dong Ha.  Suddenly, his  aircraft came  under intense enemy automatic weapons  fire, which wounded the  pilot and several passengers and  damaged  the aircraft's controls.  Reacting immediately,  Captain Davis  took control of the damaged helicopter, which was moving at over 100 knots just above the tops of the trees.  Using  both  hands to control  the battle  damaged aircraft  while holding  the collective down  with his leg, he maintained his low altitude and high airspeed for five  miles and skillfully avoided further hostile fire.  In addition,  the aircraft's  radio  navigation  equip- ment was also damaged.  Undaunted by the seriousness of the situation, Captain DAVIS was able to make  the necessary radio transmission and navigate by dead reckoning  to a medical  facility.  His exceptional  aeronautical  ability  and calm presence  of mind in  the face of seemingly insurmountable odds  were an inspir- ation to all who observed him and undoubtedly saved his aircraft  from destruc-
tion  and  his  crew  and  passengers  from  injury  or  death.   Captain  DAVIS's courage,  superb  airmanship  and  unfaltering devotion to  duty were in keeping with  the highest traditions of the  Marine Corps and of the  United States Naval Service."