John K. Davis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John K. Davis
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Davis as Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps (1983)
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| Born | March 14, 1927 Hagan, New Mexico, U.S. |
| Died | July 31, 2019 (aged 92) Mission Viejo, California, U.S. |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1945–1986 |
| Rank |  General |
| Commands held | VMFA(AW)-224 Marine Aircraft Group 46 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing 1st Marine Aircraft Wing Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Medal Defense Superior Service Medal Legion of Merit Distinguished Flying Cross |
John Kerry Davis (born March 14, 1927 – died July 31, 2019) was a very important leader in the United States Marine Corps. He became a four-star general, which is one of the highest ranks you can reach. People also knew him as J.K. Davis.
General Davis was a Vietnam War veteran. This means he served during the war in Vietnam. He was also a Naval Aviator, which is a pilot in the Navy or Marine Corps. He led important groups like the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. His last big job was being the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps from 1983 to 1986.
Contents
General John K. Davis: His Life and Military Journey
Becoming a Marine: Early Life and Training
John K. Davis was born in Hagan, New Mexico, on March 14, 1927. He finished high school in Albuquerque in 1945. After that, he joined the Marine Forces Reserve, starting as a private first class.
He went to the University of New Mexico and earned a degree in Social Studies in 1950. Later, he got another degree in Public Administration from George Washington University in 1963. In June 1950, he officially became a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps.
After finishing his basic training in Virginia in 1951, Davis became a platoon commander. A platoon is a small group of soldiers. He was promoted to first lieutenant in 1952. The next year, he started flight training in Florida to become a pilot. He became a captain in 1953 and officially a Naval Aviator in June 1954.
Flying High: Early Aviation Career
After becoming a pilot, Davis worked as a training officer in California. In December 1954, he moved to Korea and Japan. There, he worked with the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, helping with supplies and personnel.
He came back to the United States in 1956. He became an Operations Officer for the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. He also worked as an aviation safety officer, making sure flights were safe.
Serving in Vietnam: A Time of Conflict
In 1959, Davis moved to Texas and continued his work as an officer. He was promoted to major in 1961. He then attended the Air Command and Staff College in Alabama, learning more about military leadership.
After his training, he went back to Japan in 1963. He helped manage tactical air control for the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. From 1964 to 1967, he worked in Norway, helping plan joint military exercises. He became a lieutenant colonel in 1966.
Davis returned to the U.S. in 1967. He served as an Executive Officer and Commanding Officer for different Marine Aircraft Groups. He also attended the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. In 1969, he went to South Vietnam. There, he was the Aviation Safety Officer for the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. He also served as Executive Officer for Marine Aircraft Group 11.
In August 1970, Davis was promoted to colonel. He returned to Washington, D.C., working at the Headquarters Marine Corps. In 1973, he moved to El Toro, California, to command Marine Aircraft Group 46.
Leading the Marines: Peacetime and High Command
On July 1, 1975, John K. Davis became a brigadier general. He was assigned to lead Marine Corps Air Bases in the Western Area. In February 1977, he became a major general. He then took command of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.
In 1978, he became the Commanding General of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing in Okinawa, Japan. In 1979, he moved to Hawaii to become the Director of Operations for the Pacific Command.
On June 30, 1981, Davis became the Commanding General of the Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. The next day, he was promoted to lieutenant general. His highest role came on July 1, 1983, when he became the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps. He held this important position until he retired on June 1, 1986. During this time, he also led the Marine Corps Association.
General Davis was an amazing pilot. He flew over 30 different types of aircraft! These included famous planes like the F-4 Phantom, A-6 Intruder, and helicopters like the UH-1. He even flew the XV-15 prototype, which led to the MV-22 Osprey. He flew 285 hours in combat during the Vietnam War, with many of those flights happening at night. He completed 171 combat missions.
John K. Davis passed away on July 31, 2019, at 92 years old.
Awards and Honors
General Davis received many awards for his bravery and service. Here are some of his important medals and decorations:
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- Navy Distinguished Service Medal: Given for especially outstanding service.
- Defense Superior Service Medal: Awarded for superior service in a joint military role.
- Legion of Merit: Given for exceptionally meritorious conduct.
- Distinguished Flying Cross: Awarded for heroism or extraordinary achievement while flying.
- Air Medal: Given for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.
- World War II Victory Medal: Awarded for service during World War II.
- National Defense Service Medal: Given for honorable active service during specific national emergencies.
- Vietnam Service Medal: Awarded for service during the Vietnam War.
- Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon: Given for deployments at sea.
- Order of National Security Merit, Gugseon Medal: An award from Korea for national security contributions.
- Vietnam Gallantry Cross unit citation: An award from Vietnam for heroic actions by a unit.
- Vietnam Civil Actions unit citation: An award from Vietnam for outstanding civil actions by a unit.
- Vietnam Campaign Medal: An award from Vietnam for service in the Vietnam War.
See also
- List of United States Marine Corps four-star generals
