Captain Charles W. Davis
U.S. Army, 25th Infantry Division, 27th Infantry Regiment
Background
Born in Gordo, AL on February 21, 1917. Joined the U.S. Army in Montgomery, Alabama. Assigned to the 25th Infantry Division "Tropic Lightning", 27th Infantry Regiment "Wolfhounds". Promoted to the rank of Captain and served as the 2nd Battalion's Executive Officer.
Wartime History
On January 12, 1943 during the Battle of Galloping Horse on Guadalcanal, Davis volunteered to bring messages to companies that were pinned down by enemy fire and remained at the front lines overnight. In an attempt to neutralize enemy positions that had held off the American advance, he volunteered to lead a group of four soldiers to attack a fortified knoll east of Hill 53 that formed the "neck" of the Galloping Horse.
Crawling forward to within ten yards of the enemy, the group was spotted by the Japanese who tossed several hand grenades at them, but they failed to explode. The Americans threw eight grenades at the enemy then Davis stood up, fired his rifle and then his pistol and waved his men forward. The group managed to kill or chase off the remaining defenders. During his actions, Davis was silhouetted against the sky and inspired the entire American line that captured Hill 53 by noon. Afterwards, Davis was promoted to the rank of Major and on July 17, 1943 earned the Medal of Honor for his actions.
Medal of Honor Citation Posthumous
 Citation: "For distinguishing himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy on Guadalcanal Island. On January 12, 1943, Maj. Davis (then Capt.), executive officer of an infantry battalion, volunteered to carry instructions to the leading companies of his battalion which had been caught in crossfire from Japanese machine guns. With complete disregard for his own safety, he made his way to the trapped units, delivered the instructions, supervised their execution, and remained overnight in this exposed position. On the following day, Maj. Davis again volunteered to lead an assault on the Japanese position which was holding up the advance. When his rifle jammed at its first shot, he drew his pistol and, waving his men on, led the assault over the top of the hill. Electrified by this action, another body of soldiers followed and seized the hill. The capture of this position broke Japanese resistance and the battalion was then able to proceed and secure the corps objective. The courage and leadership displayed by Maj. Davis inspired the entire battalion and unquestionably led to the success of its attack." |
Memorials
Davis passed away on January 16, 1991 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery at section 7A, grave 170.
References
FindAGrave - Charles W Davis (photo, grave photo)
Contribute Information
Do you have photos or additional information to add?
|
