George Fleming Davis George Fleming Davis ( March 23 , 1911 – January 6 , 1945 ) was a United States Navy officer and a recipient of America ' s highest military decoration , the Medal of Honor , for actions during World War II . Early life . George F . Davis was born in Manila , Philippines , on March 23 , 1911 . Navy career . Davis was appointed to the United States Naval Academy from the Naval Reserve in 1930 and graduated in May 1934 . Ensign Davis ' first duty station was the new heavy cruiser . While in that ship he served as an aircraft gunnery observer with her embarked aviation units . From 1939 to 1941 Lieutenant ( Junior Grade ) Davis served as an officer of the destroyer and fast minesweeper . Outbreak of World War II . Following promotion to the rank of lieutenant in mid - 1941 he was assigned to the battleship , which was sunk on December 7 , 1941 when Japan ' s surprise attack on Pearl Harbor opened the Pacific War . In January 1942 , Lieutenant Davis was transferred to the light cruiser , in which he participated in operations in the Aleutian Islands , the hard fighting over Guadalcanal and the Central Solomons , and the campaign to recover Guam . He was promoted to lieutenant commander and commander while serving in " Honolulu " , which he left in mid - 1944 . Following training in advanced surface warfare techniques , he was given command of the destroyer in late November 1944 . On 6 January 1945 his ship was covering minesweeping operations in advance of the Lingayen Gulf invasion when she was attacked by four Japanese Kamikaze s . Though " Walke " shot down two , the third plane struck the ship , enveloping her bridge area in burning gasoline . Though horribly burned , Commander Davis remained on his feet , conned the ship , directed damage control efforts and saw to the destruction of the fourth suicide plane . Only when " Walke " ' s survival was assured did he relinquish his post to be taken below , where he died a short time later . For his conduct , Commander George F . Davis was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor . His body was buried at sea . Medal of Honor citation . Commander George F . Davis ' official Medal of Honor citation is as follows : " For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as Commanding Officer of the U . S . S . " Walke " engaged in a detached mission in support of minesweeping operations to clear the waters for entry of our heavy surface and amphibious forces preparatory to the invasion of Lingayen Gulf , Luzon , Philippine Islands , 6 January 1945 . Operating without gun support of other surface ships when four Japanese suicide planes were detected flying low overland to attack simultaneously , Commander Davis boldly took his position in the exposed wings of the bridge and directed control to pick up the leading plane and open fire . Alert and fearless as the " Walke " ' s deadly fire sent the first target crashing into the water and caught the second as it passed close over the bridge to plunge into the sea off portside , he remained steadfast in the path of the third plane plunging swiftly to crash the after end of the bridge structure . Seriously wounded when the plane struck , drenched with gasoline and immediately enveloped in flames , he conned the " Walke " in the midst of the wreckage ; he rallied his command to heroic efforts ; he exhorted his officers and men to save the ship and , still on his feet , saw the barrage from his guns destroy the fourth suicide bomber . With the fires under control and the safety of the ship assured , he consented to be carried below . Succumbing several hours later , Commander Davis , by his example of valor and his unhesitating self - sacrifice , steeled the fighting spirit of his command into unyielding purpose in completing a vital mission . He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country . " Legacy . The destroyer , 1957 – 1994 , was named in his honor .