“The Medal of Honor is not heavy in weight but bears the weight of burden carried for the loss of all who sacrificed their lives for freedom”
~ Sammy Davis, Medal of Honor Recipient
We are honored to feature today, Sgt. Sammy Davis, a Medal of Honor Recipient for his gallant and extraordinary heroism during his deployment in Vietnam.
Sergeant Davis was with the U.S. Army, Battery C, 2d Battalion, 4th Artillery, 9th Infantry Division and entered service at Indianapolis, Indiana. He was deployed to West of Cai Lay, Republic of Vietnam, 18 November 1967. Only a river separated the Viet Cong from the fire support base. Detecting a nearby enemy position, Sgt. Davis seized a machinegun and provided covering fire for his guncrew, as they attempted to bring direct artillery fire on the enemy. Despite his efforts, an enemy recoilless rifle round scored a direct hit upon the artillery piece. The resultant blast hurled the guncrew from their weapon and blew Sgt. Davis into a foxhole. He struggled to his feet and returned to the howitzer, which was burning furiously. Ignoring repeated warning to seek cover, Sgt. Davis rammed a shell into the gun. Disregarding a withering hail of enemy fire directed against his position, he aimed and fired the howitzer which rolled backward, knocking Sgt. Davis violently to the ground. Undaunted, he returned to the weapon to fire again when an enemy mortar round exploded within 20 meters of his position, injured him painfully. Nevertheless, Sgt. Davis loaded the artillery piece, aimed and fired. Again he was knocked down by the recoil. In complete disregard for his safety, Sgt. Davis loaded and fired 3 more shells into the enemy.
Disregarding his extensive injuries and his inability to swim, Sgt. Davis picked up an air mattress and struck out across the deep river to rescue 3 wounded comrades on the far side. Upon reaching the 3 wounded men, he stood upright and fired into the dense vegetation to prevent the Viet Cong from advancing. While the most seriously wounded soldier was helped across the river, Sgt. Davis protected the 2 remaining casualties until he could pull them across the river to the fire support base. Though suffering from painful wounds, he refused medical attention, joining another howitzer crew which fired at the large Viet Cong force until it broke contact and fled. The extraordinary heroism of Sgt. Davis and at the risk of his life, are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.
While visiting the Military Museum in Vincennes, Indiana recently, we commented on his photo and uniform on display. The curator’s wife stepped forward to tell us a personal story about Sgt. Davis. Apparently the letters that he was sending home to his mother from Vietnam only spoke of the weather and food. So she “assumed” that he was bored and shipped him a harmonica. A comrade requested he play “Shenandoah” which became his signature. He would play his friend’s favorite song, as he succumbed to his injuries. Many years later while visiting “The Vietnam Wall” Sammy pulled out his harmonica and started playing Shenandoah for his fallen comrade. As he played, other visitors who were paying their respect, gathered around this special soldier. Now he visits seriously wounded veterans and plays Shenandoah for those who request it…
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Photo Source: Indiana Military Museum, Vincennes, Indiana
Text Source: www.cmohs.org/recipient-detail/3256/davis-sammy-l.php
