The President of the United States,
in the name of The Congress takes pride in presenting
the MEDAL OF HONORto:
LIEUTANANT COLONEL RAYMOND G. DAVIS
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
for service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as commanding
officer of the 1st Battalion, in action against enemy aggressor forces. Although keenly
aware that the operation involved breaking through a surrounding enemy and advancing 8
miles along primitive icy trails in the bitter cold with every passage disputed by a
savage and determined foe, Lt. Col. Davis boldly led his battalion into the attack in a
daring attempt to relieve a beleaguered rifle company and to seize, hold, and defend a
vital mountain pass controlling the only route available for 2 marine regiments in danger
of being cut off by numerically superior hostile forces during their re-deployment to the
port of Hungnam. When the battalion immediately encountered strong opposition from
entrenched enemy forces commanding high ground in the path of the advance, he promptly
spearheaded his unit in a fierce attack up the steep, ice-covered slopes in the face of
withering fire and, personally leading the assault groups in a hand-to-hand encounter,
drove the hostile troops from their positions, rested his men, and reconnoitered the area
under enemy fire to determine the best route for continuing the mission. Always in the
thick of the fighting Lt. Col. Davis led his battalion over 3 successive ridges in the
deep snow in continuous attacks against the enemy and, constantly inspiring and
encouraging his men throughout the night, brought his unit to a point within 1,500 yards
of the surrounded rifle company by daybreak. Although knocked to the ground when a shell
fragment struck his helmet and 2 bullets pierced his clothing, he arose and fought his way
forward at the head of his men until he reached the isolated marines. On the following
morning, he bravely led his battalion in securing the vital mountain pass from a strongly
entrenched and numerically superior hostile force, carrying all his wounded with him,
including 22 litter cases and numerous ambulatory patients. Despite repeated savage and
heavy assaults by the enemy, he stubbornly held the vital terrain until the 2 regiments of
the division had deployed through the pass and, on the morning of 4 December, led his
battalion into Hagaru-ri intact. By his superb leadership, outstanding courage, and
brilliant tactical ability, Lt. Col. Davis was directly instrumental in saving the
beleaguered rifle company from complete annihilation and enabled the 2 marine regiments to
escape possible destruction. His valiant devotion to duty and unyielding fighting spirit
in the face of almost insurmountable odds enhance and sustain the highest traditions of
the U.S. Naval Service.
/S/HARRY S. TRUMAN