American Valor Quarterly Issue 5 - Winter 2008/09 | Page 9

Raymond G. Davis Award
For distinguished service in the United States military during the Korean War
Raymond G. Davis was appointed a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps in 1938,
following his college graduation and ROTC training. Throughout his military career, Davis fought in
three wars and 14 different campaigns. He rose to the rank of general, while earning 18 American
and seven foreign awards. Among these included the Navy Cross, earned for actions at Peleliu during
World War II, and the Distinguished Service Medal during Vietnam. However, it was in December
of 1950, near the Chosin Reservoir in Korea, that Davis would earn the acclaim that has made him
legendary. While carrying his wounded along, he led his battalion over icy ridges to rescue a stranded
rifle company. During this mission he was credited with saving over 1,000 Marines from certain
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