Davis, Benjamin Oliver, Jr.

Date of birth:: December 18th, 1912 (Washington D.C./District of Columbia, United States)
Date of death:: July 4th, 2002 (Washington, D.C./District Of Columbia, United States)
Buried on:: Arlington National Cemetery
Plot: 2. Grave: E-311 RH.
Nationality:: American

Biography

Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Temporary Colonel
Unit:: 332rd Fighter Group, U.S. Army Air Forces
Awarded on:: August 31st, 1944

"For extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as Pilot of a P-47 type aircraft of the 332d Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force. Colonel Davis led his Group as escort to heavy bombers on a mission against industrial targets in Germany on 9 June 1944. En route, the bomber formation was attacked by approximately one hundred enemy fighters. Faced with the problem of protecting the large bomber formation with the comparatively few fighters under his control, Colonel Davis so skillfully disposed his squadrons that in spite of the large number of enemy fighters, the bomber formation suffered only a few losses. During the engagement, Colonel David led one flight against more than fifteen enemy fighters which were making repeated attacks on one group of bombers. His aggressive spirit and determined leadership caused his men to rout the enemy fighters and emerge with five victories. By his outstanding courage, leadership and combat ability, Colonel Davis has reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States of America."

Headquarters, 15th Air Force, General Orders No. 520

Silver Star Medal (SSM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Temporary Colonel
Unit:: 332rd Fighter Group, U.S. Army Air Forces
Awarded on:: 1945

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer, 332d Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force in the Mediterranean Theater of Action during World War II. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army Air Forces."

Headquarters, 15th Air Force, General Orders No. 3496

Legion of Merit - US Military

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Temporary Colonel
Unit:: 332rd Fighter Group, U.S. Army Air Forces

Distinguished Service Medal - Army (DSM)

Rank:: Major General

"For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Deputy Chief of Staff or Operations, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Wiesbaden, Germany, from December 1957 to June 1961. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Davis and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force."

War Department, General Orders No. 10

Distinguished Service Medal - Army (DSM)

Distinguished Service Medal - Air Force

Rank:: Lieutenant General
Awarded on:: July 20th, 1967

"For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility from 13 May 1965 to 31 July 1967. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Davis and his dedicated contributions in the Service of his Country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force."

Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-259

Distinguished Service Medal - Air Force

Period:: Vietnam War (1955-1975)
Rank:: Lieutenant General
Unit:: U.S. Strike Command, U.S. Air Force

"For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Deputy Commander in Chief, U.S. Strike Command, with headquarters at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida; with additional duty as Commander in Chief, Middle-East, Southern Asia and Africa, from August 1968 to January 1970. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Davis culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force."

Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu