by HB Auld, Jr.

From Navy and Marine Corps files: This Day in Navy and Marine Corps History:

1950 – During the Korean War at the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir, LtCol Raymond G. Davis led his battalion into Hagaru-Ri, Korea, after four days of intense fighting in the mountain passes against a numerically superior hostile Chinese force. His battalion, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, helped clear the way for the 5th and 7th Marines. Lt. Col. Davis led in front of his men all the way… marching his battalion at night over mountains in a driving snowstorm. This action allowed two Marine regiments to escape and link up with the 1st Division.

LtCol Davis was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism by President Harry S. Truman in a White House ceremony on November 24, 1954.

Marine LtCol Davis was eventually promoted to four-star general and served as the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps. During his 33 years in the US Marine Corps, General Davis served in World War II (where he distinguished himself at the Battle of Guadalcanal), the Korean War (earning the Medal of Honor), and the Viet Nam War. He retired from the US Marine Corps March 31, 1972, after 33 years of military service.

General Davis died September 3, 2003 at the age of 88 years. (January 13, 1915 – September 3, 2003). He is buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens College Park, Georgia.

Rest In Peace, General Davis, and thank you for your brave service to our Nation.