World War II Honoree

William Wallace Davies

Branch of Service

U.S. Marine Corps

Hometown

Washington, District Of Columbia

Honored By

Pearl Thomas

Noted as a pioneer in the development of the Marine Corps Landing craft. He established the first amphibian tractor school. In early 1944, he took part in the amphibious landing during the Battle of Kwajalein. With the upcoming Battle of Saipan in June 1944, he participated in the landing on D-Day and made frequent visits of front lines under enemy fire to collect important information about landing crafts. He also served in the Battle of Tinian and Battle of Okinawa. Received the Navy Presidential Unit Citation, Legion of Merit with Combat "V", Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V", American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with four 3/16" service stars, and Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal with two stars.