TFH 9/6: Sergeant Rodney Maxwell Davis, USMC

Rodney Davis was born on April 7, 1942 in Macon, Georgia. After high school, he entered the United States Marine Corps. In the years prior to Vietnam, his service included a three-year tour as a U.S. Embassy guard in London, United Kingdom.

In August of 1967 Sergeant Davis deployed to Vietnam with the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines. About one month later, he gave his life in service to our Nation with an awesome act of heroism and self-sacrifce.

From Medal of Honor Citations for the Vietnam War:

*DAVIS, RODNEY MAXWELL

Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division. Place and date: Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam, 6 September 1967. Entered service at: Macon, Ga. Born: 7 April 1942, Macon, Ga. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as the right guide of the 2d Platoon, Company B, in action against enemy forces. Elements of the 2d Platoon were pinned down by a numerically superior force of attacking North Vietnamese Army Regulars. Remnants of the platoon were located in a trench line where Sgt. Davis was directing the fire of his men in an attempt to repel the enemy attack. Disregarding the enemy hand grenades and high volume of small arms and mortar fire, Sgt. Davis moved from man to man shouting words of encouragement to each of them while firing and throwing grenades at the onrushing enemy. When an enemy grenade landed in the trench in the midst of his men, Sgt. Davis, realizing the gravity of the situation, and in a final valiant act of complete self-sacrifice, instantly threw himself upon the grenade, absorbing with his body the full and terrific force of the explosion. Through his extraordinary initiative and inspiring valor in the face of almost certain death, Sgt. Davis saved his comrades from injury and possible loss of life, enabled his platoon to hold its vital position, and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country. 

The Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG-60) was named in his honor.

Rodney Maxwell Davis, our Nation is forever grateful for your service, heroism, and sacrifice. September 6, 1967 was your finest hour.