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Citation
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at
the risk of his life and beyond the call of duty. Sgt. Samuel L. Davis (then PFc.)
distinguished himself during the early morning hours while serving as a
cannoneer with Battery C, at a remote fire support base.
At approximately 0200 hours, the fire support base was
under heavy enemy mortar attack. Simultaneously, an estimated reinforced Viet
Cong battalion launched a fierce ground assault upon the fire support base. The
attacking enemy drove to within 25 meters of the friendly positions. Only a
river separated the Viet Cong from the fire support base.
Detecting a nearby enemy position, Sgt. Davis seized a
machinegun and provided covering fire for his gun crew, as they attempted to
bring direct artillery fire on the enemy. Despite his efforts, an enemy
recoilless rifle round scored a direct hit upon the artillery piece. The
resultant blast hurled the gun crew from their weapon and blew Sgt. Davis into a
foxhole. He struggled to his feet and returned to the howitzer, which was
burning furiously. Ignoring repeated warning to seek cover, Sgt. Davis rammed a
shell into the gun. Disregarding a withering hail of enemy fire directed against
his position, he aimed and fired the howitzer which rolled backward, knocking
Sgt. Davis violently to the ground. Undaunted, he returned to the weapon to fire
again when an enemy mortar round exploded within 20 meters of his position,
injured him painfully. Nevertheless, Sgt. Davis loaded the artillery piece,
aimed and fired. Again he was knocked down by the recoil. In complete disregard
for his safety, Sgt. Davis loaded and fired 3 more shells into the enemy.
Disregarding his extensive injuries and his inability
to swim, Sgt. Davis picked up an air mattress and struck out across the deep
river to rescue 3 wounded comrades on the far side. Upon reaching the 3 wounded
men, he stood upright and fired into the dense vegetation to prevent the Viet
Cong from advancing. While the most seriously wounded soldier was helped across
the river, Sgt. Davis protected the 2 remaining casualties until he could pull
them across the river to the fire support base.
Though suffering from painful wounds, he refused
medical attention, joining another howitzer crew which fired at the large Viet
Cong force until it broke contact and fled, Sgt. Davis� extraordinary heroism,
at the risk of his life, are in keeping with the highest traditions of the
military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.
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