Medal of Honor Monday: Navy Cmdr. George F. Davis

View Online Medal of Honor Monday: Navy Cmdr. George F. Davis Jan. 6, 2025 | By Katie Lange Navy Cmdr. George Fleming Davis worked his way up the ranks to become one of the youngest destroyer commanders in U.S. history. During World War II, his leadership and fearlessness during a Japanese kamikaze raid kept his ship from being destroyed, even though it cost him his life. For that sacrifice, Davis earned a posthumous Medal of Honor. Davis was born on March 23, 1911, in the Philippine capital of Manila, where his father, John, worked as a civilian master shipfitter at Naval Base Subic Bay. After a few years, the family moved to Hawaii so his father could continue his work at Pearl Harbor. Davis was privately educated at Punahou School before graduating from McKinley High School in Honolulu. In 1930, he received an appointment to attend the Naval Academy, where he excelled in several sports. Davis graduated in May 1934 and commissioned into the Navy, serving his first tour of duty on the heavy cruiser USS Tuscaloosa as an aircraft gunnery observer. By mid-1941, Davis had worked his way up to the rank of lieutenant and was assigned to the battleship USS Oklahoma, which was sunk by the Japanese during the Pearl Harbor attacks on Dec. 7, 1941. Davis survived the attack and was transferred to duty on the light cruiser USS Honolulu. During his tenure on that ship, he took part in operations on the Aleutian Islands before being involved in hard-fought battles in Guadalcanal, the Central Solomon Islands and the campaign to recover Guam. By the time Davis left the USS Honolulu in mid-1944, he'd been promoted to commander. He spent a few months training in advanced surface warfare techniques before being put in command of the destroyer USS Walke in late November 1944. At 32, he was one of the youngest destroyer commanders in U.S. naval history. At some point, Davis married a woman named Shelagh, and they had two boys, George Rupert and Patrick, who lived in Berkeley, California, during the war. In mid-December 1944, Davis returned to the Philippines as the USS Walke was stationed off Manila's shores. By early January, the destroyer got underway for Lingayen Gulf as part of the invasion of Luzon, joining several U.S. minesweepers to provide cover fire and antiaircraft defense. On Jan. 6, 1945, the Walke was operating without gun support from other surface ships when four Japanese suicide planes were spotted flying low overland, on a clear mission to attack. Preparing for an onslaught, Davis took his position on the bridge's exposed wing and directed the ship to open fire on the lead plane, which crashed into the water. The ship's guns then hit the second aircraft as it passed closely over the bridge, plunging it into the sea off the portside. Davis stayed steadfast in his position even as the third aircraft quickly dove toward the ship, crashing into the after end of the bridge. The collision seriously wounded the commander and drenched him in gasoline as flames erupted. But Davis continued to direct the steering of the ship. According to his Medal of Honor citation, Davis "rallied his command to heroic efforts; he exhorted his officers and men to save the ship and, still on his feet, saw the barrage from his guns destroy the fourth suicide bomber." Davis refused to accept medical attention below deck until the fires were under control and the 350 members of his crew were counted as safe. Sadly, Davis died hours later. According to a 1945 San Francisco Examiner article, the Walke's surgeon said that the commander might have survived his burns had he not "overtaxed himself in saving the ship." Davis's fearlessness and valor inspired the men around him to complete their vital mission. His bravery and self-sacrifice earned him the nation's highest honor for valor. Davis's widow received the Medal of Honor on his behalf on Nov. 16, 1945, during a ceremony in Washington, D.C. Davis was buried at sea in the Philippines, not far from the place where he was born. His name is listed on the Manila American Cemetery's Wall of the Missing. The USS Davis, a destroyer commissioned in 1957, was named in his honor and served with distinction during the Vietnam War. In the Naval Academy room where Davis once resided, a bronze plaque bears his citation for all future sailors to see.  This article is part of a weekly series called "Medal of Honor Monday" in which we highlight one of the more than 3,500 Medal of Honor recipients who have received the U.S. military's highest medal for valor. More Stories of Valor   Experience: The Highest Awards for Valor

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Sasol's challenging start to 2024/25 fiscal year | AI to transform advertising

Multi-factor Authentication a must for online security | Trends shaping South Africa's business landscape for 2025

Enjoy our pick of today's top stories from Bizcommunity's 19 industry sectors. 06 JAN 25 Sasol battles production declines and changing chemicals landscape LINDSEY SCHUTTERS Sasol’s production and sales metrics for Q1 of the 2024/25 fiscal year reveals a mixed bag of wins and losses… AI to transform advertising in fundamental shift in digital marketing in 2025 read New year, new authentication read The AI revolution, sustainable investments and other trends shaping SA's business landscape in 2025 read Marketing & Media Icon of Indian advertising, Walter Saldanha, leaves a lasting legacy at 93 Agriculture Global food prices fall as sugar costs drop, FAO reports Education Continuing education transforms careers DR ROWEN GOVENDER Finance Mukuru: Transforming aid disbursements, payroll, and bulk payments in Malawi and Zimbabwe Mauritius arrests ex-governor of central bank, local media report VILLEN ANGANAN Legal Zimbabwe scraps the death penalty – tracking the path to abolition CAROLYN HOYLE AND PARVAIS JABBAR Lifestyle Trace Awards 2025 to showcase Africa's musical diversity Meet the January films competing for Oscar glory DANIEL DERCKSEN HR & Recruitment New Employment Equity Amendment Act: Compliance is achievable NICOL MYBURGH Featured Press Office of the day More   |   Join Simplify Simplify is the latest in Recruitment Management Services. Simplify your recruitment with the intuitive recruitment software solution that helps you find, manage and recruit quality hires. Contact  |  News  |  VISIT PRESS OFFICE  |  Linkedin Jobs offered Shipping and Purchase Order Clerk - Port Elizabeth   Social Media Manager and Strategist - Cape Town   Video Editor for Social Media Content - Cape Town   Financial Advisor - Johannesburg   More jobs Submit a job Customise jobs FOLLOW US List company List CV List new business List portfolio showcase List profile Submit event Submit gallery Submit job ad Submit new appointment Submit news Submit noticeboard Submit op-ed contribution Home My job ads My events My company My CV Advertising: We welcome your sales enquiries! Email sales and read more about our advertising rates 3rd Floor, 62 Roeland St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa. Tel +27 (0)21 404 1460 © 2025 bizcommunity.com. All rights reserved. Unsubscribe. Manage subscription. Subscribe. Change email.

After Receiving Medals of Honor at White House, 7 Soldiers Inducted Into Pentagon Hall of Heroes

View Online After Receiving Medals of Honor at White House, 7 Soldiers Inducted Into Pentagon Hall of Heroes Jan. 4, 2025 | By C. Todd Lopez Following a ceremony Friday at the White House where seven soldiers received the Medal of Honor, today those same soldiers were inducted into the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes during an off-site ceremony at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Arlington, Virginia. On Friday, President Joe Biden presented the Medal of Honor to Pvt. Bruno R. Orig, Pfc. Wataru Nakamura, Cpl. Fred B. McGee, Pfc. Charles R. Johnson and Gen. Richard E. Cavazos. All served in the Korean War and were posthumously presented the medal. Family members accepted the decoration on their behalf.  From the Vietnam War, both Capt. Hugh R. Nelson Jr. and Pfc. Kenneth J. David were decorated. Nelson received the medal posthumously, while David, the only living recipient, accepted the medal in person. At JMB-HH, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth and Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Randy A. George inducted the soldiers into the Hall of Heroes, where the names of all service members who receive the Medal of Honor are enshrined.  "It's incredibly powerful to hear these seven stories of sheer bravery and sacrifice," said Austin, who himself served in the Army for more than 40 years. "The soldiers whom we honor today came from different walks of life, from different communities and from different parts of our country."  Austin said some of the soldiers honored could trace their roots in the United States back for generations. Some, he said, were children of immigrants. Others were descendants of slaves. "Some of these heroes were commissioned officers in the Army, and some of them fought in the enlisted ranks," Austin said. "Yet when each of these men faced terrible danger in battle, every one of them made the same choice: to put the mission first, to never quit, to never accept defeat and to never leave a fallen comrade."  Orig, Nakamura and Johnson were all killed in action in while serving in Korea, while Nelson was killed in action serving in Vietnam. Following service in wartime, McGee spent more than 40 years working in the steel industry and also served in multiple civic organizations. He died in 2020, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Cavazos continued service in the Army until 1984 and retired as a four-star general. He died in 2017.  David, the only living medal recipient, has spent the decades following the Vietnam War serving military veterans in his community, Austin said. "These heroes risked everything for their country, and often made the ultimate sacrifice," Austin said. "Their stories should be more than just a source of pride. They should be a source of inspiration. And they should be a spur to action."  It sometimes takes decades, or longer, to finally recognize the gallant actions of service members in combat situations. Austin said it took the work of many to bring to light the actions of the seven inducted into the Hall of Heroes.  "The recognition that we bestow on these heroes today is long overdue," he said. "But we got here. And we got here thanks to the loved ones and the advocates who kept pushing, year after year."  Among those, he said, were the fellow soldiers who witnessed their actions and who wrote their commanding officers, families, civic groups, journalists, alumni chapters, members of Congress, congressional staffers and veterans.  "You have all helped us to see the unmatched valor of these men's deeds — and to forever set them in their rightful place of honor," Austin said. "Let us do more than honor the service and sacrifice of these American heroes. Let us strive to live up to their example. And let us protect and strengthen the republic that they loved so much."

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Remarks by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III at a Medal of Honor Induction Ceremony (As Delivered)

View Online Secretary of Defense Speech Remarks by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III at a Medal of Honor Induction Ceremony (As Delivered) Conmy Hall, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Jan. 4, 2025 Well, good morning. And welcome.      It's great to ring in the New Year with all of you in such a meaningful way. Secretary Wormuth, General George: Thanks for your outstanding leadership of the United States Army. You know, I proudly served in the Army for more than half of my life. So your branch of our military holds a special place in my heart. And you have both led the military—led the Army with integrity and vision. Let me also thank you for your stirring tributes to the seven American heroes that we honor today.  I'm also pleased to see so many outstanding Department of Defense and Army leaders here with us today.  But mostly, I want to thank our honored guests. It was a pleasure to meet Kenneth David yesterday at the White House, when President Biden presented him with our country's highest medal for valor. We are honored by your presence, sir.   And to your family and the family members of all of our inductees into the Hall of Heroes: thanks for making the journey for this great event.  Along with their fellow veterans—many of whom are also here today—you've worked tirelessly for decades to keep the light of our gratitude shining on the extraordinary service of these heroes. Thanks for upholding their legacy. You know, it's incredibly powerful to hear these seven stories of sheer bravery and sacrifice. The Soldiers whom we honor today came from different walks of life, from different communities, and from different parts of our country.  Some of their families traced their roots in America back for generations. Some were children of immigrants. And some were the descendants of slaves.  Some of these heroes were commissioned officers in the Army. And some of them fought in the enlisted ranks. Yet when each of these men faced terrible danger in battle, every one of them made the same choice: To put the mission first. To never quit. To never accept defeat. And to never leave a fallen comrade.  Let me start with Private Bruno Orig.  His parents came to Hawaii from the Philippines. And after Pearl Harbor, his father and stepfather both served in their adopted country in the Army. And Bruno's turn came during the Korean War.  He stepped into the fight at the siege of Chipyong-ni on a frigid winter day in 1951. He grabbed ahold of an enemy machine gun. And he unleashed a withering assault that enabled an entire platoon of his teammates to withdraw—without taking a single casualty. Private First Class Wataru Nakamura of California was also the son of immigrants. He fought in World War II in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, made up of second-generation Japanese Nisei soldiers. Today he joins no fewer than 21 brave comrades from the 442nd who have also received the Medal of Honor. In May of 1951, during the Battle of the Soyang River, Chinese forces attempted to cut off six South Korean divisions from the remainder of the U.S. Eighth Army. One misty morning at the height of that offensive, Wataru found himself surrounded by enemy fighters. He hurled phosphorous and fragmentation grenades. And he charged with his carbine and bayonet. And he singlehandedly routed the enemy from bunker after bunker—and he drove them into the teeth of his company's 57-milimeter recoilless rifle.    We also honor Corporal Fred McGee of Ohio today.  In June of 1952, Corporal McGee's squad leader was wounded in a heavy firefight. The second-in-command froze up—and Fred took charge. He delivered crucial covering fire for the rest of his platoon as they fought to rout the enemy out who was dug in. And ignoring his own wounds, he tended to injured comrades amid a hail of artillery. You know, Fred's heroism that day was actually captured and depicted in a comic book. But although Fred was Black, his character in the comic book was drawn as white. And so when Fred saw the book, he was hurt and angry.  "I felt like someone else was getting the accolades for what I did," he later said.  But as a recipient of the Medal of Honor, Fred McGee will be forever remembered for who he was—and for what he did. In May of 1953, Private First Class Charles Johnson was thrilled to find himself in the same company as Don Dingee, a high-school buddy from back home in upstate New York. Neither of them knew that just a few weeks later, Charlie would save Don's life—and those of nine other buddies.  Charlie gave his life during the assault on the Korean hilltop known as Outpost Harry. As Chinese troops approached their battered bunker, Charlie found Don amid the smoke and the rubble. And Charlie placed his hand over Don's mouth and said, "Play dead.  They're outside, and they're coming in." And so they lay stone-still—both badly wounded, but daring not to breathe.  And finally, the enemy passed. Charlie used his own belt to drag Don to a more secure bunker—and then he rushed back out to drive the enemy back while Don and the others were evacuated.  The last words that Don heard Charlie say were, "I've got to protect y'all."  Richard Cavazos was born into a Mexican-American ranching family in Texas. And he was a talented college football player—until he broke his leg during his sophomore year. Then ROTC led him off the football field and onto the battlefield.  As a Lieutenant, Dick Cavazos was assigned to the all-Latino 65th Infantry Regiment and deployed to Korea. He also fought in the Battle of Outpost Harry. He led his company in a series of intense attacks on the enemy position. And after his forces were ordered to withdraw, he remained alone in the combat zone to evacuate others.  General Cavazos displayed that same fierce loyalty to his troops throughout his long Army career. And as Lieutenant General Dan Bolger once put it, Dick Cavazos was the epitome of "Army done right." And I am incredibly proud that this American hero's name now graces Fort Cavazos in Texas.  Captain Hugh Nelson was born in North Carolina, and he learned about honor and duty at the Citadel. He displayed both to their fullest extent in June of 1966 in Vietnam. It began as a routine reconnaissance and training flight. But Hugh's helicopter started taking enemy automatic-weapons fire. And a 50-caliber round hit the Huey, and it went down hard.  Now, Hugh, as you've heard, managed to drag all of his teammates from the chopper, with the enemy just 10 yards away—10 yards. And so, Hugh put himself between the young door gunner and the fire that he was receiving from the Viet Cong.  And that young door gunner remembers Hugh saying, "Don't move, son—you'll be OK." And that brings us to Ken David. On an early morning in May 1970, his firebase on a hill in Vietnam suddenly came under fire. And Ken raced into action.  He acted with total selflessness, drawing the enemy fire onto himself to spare his wounded teammates. He refused medical care for the wounds that he had received. And he was the last Soldier to board the last helicopter out. And as you've heard, since coming home to Ohio, Ken has continued to put his brothers and sisters in arms first. For decades, he has volunteered to provide for his fellow veterans.  So on behalf of everyone here: thank you again, Ken.  Let's give Ken—and all of our heroes—a round of applause.   Ladies and gentlemen, let me underscore the last words that Charlie Johnson said before rushing to save his teammates. He said, "I've got to protect y'all."  And so the question for us today is: what will we protect?  These heroes risked everything for their country—and often made the ultimate sacrifice. Their stories should be more than just a source of pride. They should be a source of inspiration. And they should be a spur to action.  You know, today's ceremony reminds me of a basic truth about America. We don't always get things right. No country does. But in America, we never stop trying to be all that we can be, and to live up to our founding ideals, and to form that "more perfect union." The recognition that we bestow on these heroes today is long overdue.  But we got here. And we got here thanks to the loved ones and the advocates who kept pushing, year after year.  It's thanks to the battle buddies, the witnesses to history, who wrote to their commanding officers—sometimes from their hospital beds just days after the battle. It's thanks to the families, who kept the faith for their loved ones. It's thanks to the civic groups, the journalists, the alumni chapters, the members of Congress, the congressional staffers, and above all the veterans.  You have all helped us to see the unmatched valor of these men's deeds—and to forever set them in their rightful place of honor. So let us do more than honor the service and the sacrifice of these American heroes. Let us strive to live up to their example. And let us protect and strengthen the republic that they loved so much.  May God bless the men and women who risk so much to defend our country. May God bless the citizens who keep the memory of their sacrifice alive. And may God continue to bless the United States of America.  Thank you very much.

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