Frederick C. Davis’ Navy Cross citation

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the NAVY CROSS posthumously to

Frederick C. Davis

Ensign, U.S. Navy (Reserve)

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

for exceptional courage, presence of mind, and devotion to duty and disregard for his personal safety while serving on board the Battleship U.S.S. NEVADA (BB-36), during the Japanese attack on the United States Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, on 7 December 1941. Since no planes were on board his battleship, U.S.S. NEVADA, this aviator on his own initiative and in a heroic effort to be of the greatest usefulness, was hurrying to the foremast structure to take charge of the forward antiaircraft machine gun battery when he was killed by a bomb explosion. The conduct of Ensign Davis throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.