10 February

MAJ GEORGE ANDREW DAVIS JR.
334th Fighter Sqdrn
4th Fighter Group, 5th Air Force
Over Sinuiju-Yalu River area, Korea
10 February 1952

Flying second in command of a formation of four F-86 Saber Jets on combat patrol near the Manchurian border, the element leader encountered a malfunction and ran out of oxygen. He was forced to return to base with his wingman flying escort. Maj. Davis and his wingman continued the patrol.

Davis had eyes on a formation of approx. 12 enemy MIG-15s streaking across the Chinese border heading south, toward American bombers who were conducting low level bombing raids on a main communist communications complex.

With complete disregard for the six to one numerical superiority in favor of the enemy, Maj. Davis and his wingman dove at the MIG formation.

Attacking from the rear, Davis splashed his first MIG almost immediately. The other 11 Mig-15s counterattacked.

Although under continuous fire from several enemy MIGs to his rear, Maj. Davis continued to engage the enemy to his front, slashing number two. Disregarding the suicidal nature of the decision, rather than maintain his superior speed flying out of range of the enemy fire being concentrated on his bird, Davis elected to reduce his speed and engage a third MIG to his front.

Davis sustained a direct hit and his ship lost all flight control.  Major spiraled into a mountainside 30 miles south of the Yalu River. The flight of enemy fighters disbursed without engaging the vulnerable American bombers. Maj. Davis gave his life protecting his fellow aviators.

Davis’ MOH citation describes his valor with the following:

Maj. Davis’ bold attack completely disrupted the enemy formation, permitting the friendly fighter-bombers to successfully complete their interdiction mission. Maj. Davis, by his indomitable fighting spirit, heroic aggressiveness, and superb courage in engaging the enemy against formidable odds exemplified valor at its highest.