Sp4 Richard S. Davis Jr. was an Army Brat until he was twelve when his Father, Richard Davis Sr., died during a training exercise at White Sands Missile Range NM. . The family then moved to West Quincy, Mom, Theresa, Richard Jr. and 4 younger siblings.

 

Sp Davis spent the remainder of his youth in the Brewers Corner area. He helped to raise his younger brothers and sisters. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout at age 14. Agile and adventurous, Dick was known for boyish exploits, back flips and loyalty to friends. He graduated for Quincy High Trade School in 1966. He had been accepted at East Coast Aero Tech., but his dream was to follow in his father's footsteps with a military career. The Army Motto is be All that you can be. He was a perfect example of that motto. Sp 4 Davis was accepted into Airborne School after basic training and became a member of the 82nd Airborne Division for a short time. Immediately upon his arrival in that elite unit, he became a candidate for the United States Army Special Forces. How proud he was when he came home for the first time wearing that signature Green Beret!

 

Specialist Davis was sent to Vietnam in November of 1967, June 6, 1968, just two years after his high school graduation, he was on patrol in Thanh Tri( near Moc Hoa on the Cambodian border) attempting to rescue another patrol that was pinned down. His patrol came under attack and he was wounded twice. Despite his wounds, Dick remained on the radio, trying to coordinate air cover that would allow th US soldiers time to regroup. While attempting to provide protection and cover for his patrol Specialist Davis was mortally wounded. He received the Silver Star posthumously for his gallantry. A beloved son, a worshipped older brother, the best of friends, and a true American Hero- Specialist 4th Class Richard S. Davis Jr. was a great loss to his family, his neighborhood and his country.

Name: Richard S. Davis, Jr.
Rank/Branch: SP4 / USA
Unit: DET A-414 (THANH TRI), D CO, 5TH SF GROUP, USARV

Date of Loss: 06 June 1968
Home City of Record: Quincy Massachusetts