On the dark morning hours of Nov. 18 1967, PFC Sammy L. Davis and the men of Battery C, 2nd BN, 4th Artillery Regiment, 9th ID came under attack by a force of over 1500 NVA and the only thing that divided the firebase and the enemy was a river.
PFC Davis seized a machine gun 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 Davis into a foxhole. He struggled to his feet and returned to the howitzer, which was burning furiously. Under heavy enemy fire and ignoring repeated warnings to seek cover, PFC Davis rammed a shell into the gun, aimed and fired the howitzer which rolled backward; knocking him 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, injuring him painfully. Nevertheless, PFC Davis loaded the artillery piece, aimed and fired. Again he was knocked down by the recoil. In complete disregard for his safety, Davis loaded and fired 3 more shells into the enemy. Disregarding his extensive injuries and his inability to swim, PFC 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 enemy from advancing.
While the most seriously wounded soldier was helped across the river, 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 enemy force until it broke contact and fled.
For his actions, PFC Davis was awarded the Medal of Honor.
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