This Military Service Page was created/owned by
SSgt Robert Bruce McClelland, Jr.
to remember
Davis, Clayton Eugene, Lt Col USAF(Ret).
If you knew or served with this Airman and have additional information or photos to support this Page, please leave a message for the Page Administrator(s) HERE.
Contact Info
Home Town Montpelier, Vermont
Last Address Shalimar, Florida
Date of Passing Mar 09, 1991
Location of Interment Barrancas National Cemetery (VA) - Pensacola, Florida
During WWII, he destroyed 5 enemy aircraft in aerial combat, as well as 4 more on the ground before he had to bail out over enemy territory Aug 17, 1944; but he was able to evade the enemy and get back to Allied lines.
He also served in the Korean and Vietnam wars.
His DSC citation: Awarded for actions during World War II
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Air Corps) Clayton E. Davis (ASN: 0-666887), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-51 Fighter Airplane in the 487th Fighter Squadron, 352d Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 8 May 1944. On this date Captain Davis led a flight of fighter airplanes in an attack against fifteen enemy fighters and in the ensuing engagement destroyed one enemy airplane and assisted in the destruction of another. Captain Davis then joined two friendly fighters and was almost immediately attacked from above by twenty or more enemy fighters, one of which he destroyed. Alone at a very lone altitude and with only one gun firing, Captain Davis courageously attacked an destroyed an enemy fighter over an airdrome in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire. The heroic and fearless behavior of Captain Davis in the face of odds and grave danger reflect highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 44 (July 22, 1944)
