THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. Your Navy Cross citation attests to your courage and devotion to your fellow marines. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us.

Dennis Dean Davis

Navy Cross
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Private First Class
Battalion: 3d Battalion
Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.) FMF
GENERAL ORDERS:
Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Dennis Dean Davis (MCSN: 2567690), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Rifleman with Company K, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 28 August 1969, while Company K was conducting a search and destroy operation in Quang Nam Province, the lead platoon was pinned down by enemy small arms, automatic weapons, and anti-aircraft fire. Crawling toward a vantage point from which to better observe enemy activities when he saw a hostile soldier moving into a bunker, Private First Class Davis raced across ten meters of open terrain and, leaping to the top of the fortification, hurled a grenade into the rear aperture. When a hostile grenade landed beside him, he quickly retrieved it and heaved it toward the opening of the bunker. However, the grenade detonated prematurely and the resultant explosion knocked Private First Class Davis to the ground, seriously wounding him and rendered his weapon useless. Undaunted, he crawled under the enemy fire, to the front of the fortifications and pushed another grenade through the firing aperture, fatally wounding the hostile occupant. Quickly entering the smoking bunker, he captured an enemy machine gun and utilized it to deliver devastating fire at other nearby hostile positions until the weapon malfunctioned. When he saw a companion fall in a position dangerously exposed to the enemy fire, he dashed through the hostile fusillade to the side of casualty, picked him up, and moved across twenty meters of fire-swept terrain to a relatively covered location. Despite the pain of his own wounds, he then armed himself with the casualty's rifle and charged forward to attack another enemy fortification, but was mortally wounded before he could reach it. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Private First Class Davis contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit's mission and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Dear PFC Dennis Davis,
Thank you for your service as a Rifleman. We are celebrating Passover and Easter. It is a time of joy, and may that be yours in heaven. It is so important for us all to acknowledge the sacrifices of those like you who answered our nation's call. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

Private First Class Dennis Dean Davis, Served with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.

Dear PFC Dennis Dean Davis, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

With respect, Sir

Curt Carter