Sep/Oct 2005 - Korean War Veterans Association

Remembering Raymond Davis
General Davis Chapter President Thomas
Harris thanks the Korean Veterans Association
Southern Regional Chapter for its hospitality.
Some readers of The Graybeards may
note casually on the masthead page
the entry “In loving memory of
General Raymond Davis, our Life
Honorary President, deceased.” Davis died
of a heart attack on September 3, 2003, at
the age of 88. The anniversary of his passing
should not go unnoticed.
Davis had an illustrious career. Perhaps
the highlight was the Medal of Honor he
received for heroism at the Chosin
Reservoir in Korea. But, for people who
knew him, it was no surprise that he earned
the nation’s highest award for service
above and beyond the call of duty. The
Medal of Honor was not his first high-caliber
award—nor would it be his last.
Davis, a native of Georgia and a 1938
graduate of Georgia Tech, served in WWII,
where he earned a Navy Cross and the
Purple Heart for his actions in the Palua
Islands operation. Then, in Vietnam, he
became Commanding General of the 3rd
Marine Division. During that period of his
career, he was awarded the Distinguished
Service Medal. Purple Heart, Navy Cross,
Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service
Medal…these were indications of Davis’
courage, dedication, and selflessness. It
was that selflessness that steered Davis’
life—and benefited the KWVA and other
military organizations to which he dedicated
his time and energy.
Following his retirement from the
USMC, he was appointed by President
Reagan to the committee to oversee the
creation of the Korean War Veterans
Memorial in Washington D.C. He was also
Honoring our most honored. From the right, President Clinton, Ray Davis (MOH), South Korean
President Kim, Vice President Gore, L. Burke (MOH), and Ron Rosser (MOH).
...for people who knew him, it was no surprise that he
earned the nation’s highest award for service above and
beyond the call of duty. The Medal of Honor was not his
first high-caliber award—nor would it be his last.
active with the U.S. Korea 2000
Foundation, an organization dedicated to
commemorating the 50th anniversary of
the Korean War and honoring veterans, former
POWs, and soldiers who are still MIA.
No wonder he has a KWVA Chapter
named after him—the Raymond G. Davis
Chapter, CID #19, Conway-Atlanta, GA.
From the left, Korean Veterans Association, Southern Regional Chapter Bruce Lee (outgoing
President), James Conway, Thomas Harris, John Kahle, incoming KVA Southern Regional
Chapter President Dae Young Mun.
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The Graybeards September - October 2005