George A. Davis Jr.’s SECOND Distinguished Flying Cross citation
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT
THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
AUTHORIZED BY ACT OF CONGRESS JULY 2, 1926 HAS
AWARDED
THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS
TO
CAPTAIN (AIR CORPS) GEORGE ANDREW DAVIS, JR.
UNITED STATES ARMY AIR FORCES
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain (Air Corps) George Andrew Davis, Jr. (ASN: 0-671514/13035A), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight as Pilot of a P-47 Aircraft of the 342d Fighter Squadron, 348th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force. over Mindoro, Philippine Islands, on 20 December 1944. This officer was flying with a formation of twelve P-47s on a patrol mission over the Mindoro beachhead when eight enemy fighters intercepted. The P-47s turned into them and Captain Davis, in the ensuing engagement, fired a burst three different times at one aircraft, scoring hits around the cockpit. A short time later, the enemy plane crashed into the water. This was the fifth enemy plane destroyed by Captain Davis in aerial combat. The outstanding courage and devotion to duty displayed by this officer are worthy of the highest commendation.
Born: 1 December 1920, Dublin, Texas… Enlisted in Army in 1942 before becoming aviation cadet… One of only seven US pilots to become an ace in two conflicts, shooting down seven Japanese planes during World War II and 14 during the Korean War… One of just seven U.S. pilots to earn ace status in two wars… Also awarded the Medal of Honor (posthumously), Distinguished Service Cross, three Silver Stars, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, and the Purple Heart… Killed in action on 10 February 1952… Interred: City of Lubbock Cemetery, Lubbock, Texas