Three War Marine Hero: General Raymond G. Davis

The first biography of Marine General Raymond Davis, who was decorated for bravery in both WWII and Korea, and went on to serve as a commanding general in Vietnam.

"...Ray Davis was a hardened combat veteran. This was brought home to me one day while visiting a remote Army firebase in the jungle south of Khe Sanh. As the two of us strode along the jungle pathway, Davis suddenly stopped and peered intently into the thick green foliage. I suspected danger, brought my rifle up, and slipped off the safety. After a few moments, the general turned and casually remarked, “Dick, this reminds me of a command post I had on Guadalcanal.” I mumbled, “Yes, sir,” and surreptitiously fingered the safety to the “on” position. “Christ,” I thought in awe, “I was only two years old at the time of Guadalcanal. This is the old man’s third war!” — Dick Camp, introduction to book

A native of Georgia, Raymond Davis joined the Marine Corps after university and would go on to serve in three wars and be decorated for gallantry several times including the Medal of Honor for his actions at Chosin where his leadership saved countless American lives. He retired as a four-star general after 33 years in the corps.

Dick Camp, Marine veteran and historian, weaves memoirs, first-hand accounts, and his own personal memories of General Davis in this first biography of this archetypal "Old Breed" Marine.

Table of Contents

Foreword
Part One: Formative Years, 1915-1941
Chapter 1: A Youngster from Georgia
Chapter 2: Second Lieutenant Raymond G. Davis
Chapter 3: The Old Breed: Special Weapons Battalion
Part Two: World War II, 1941 – 1945
Central Pacific: Guadalcanal
Chapter 1: “War”
Chapter 2: Operation Watchtower
Chapter 3: Landing and Defense
Chapter 4: Cactus Air Force
Chapter 5: Japanese Ground and Air Counterattack
Southwest Pacific: Cape Gloucester - Peleliu
Chapter 1: The Green Inferno
Chapter 2: A Steamy Pest-Hole
Peleliu
Chapter 1: Breakwater of the Pacific
Chapter 2: Death at the High Water Line
Chapter 3: A Ferocious and Wily Foe
Chapter 4: Bloody Nose Ridge
Chapter 5: Pope’s Hill
Chapter 6: Shot to Pieces
Chapter 7: Homeward Bound
1st Provisional Brigade: Guam
Chapter 1: “Pretty Good Plumber”
Part Three: Korea (Land of the Morning Calm)
Chapter 1: North Korea Strikes
Chapter 2: Send in the Marines
Chapter 3: Chinese Volunteers
Chapter 4: Out on a Limb
Chapter 5: Toktong Ridge Runners
Chapter: 6: “Retreat Hell”
Chapter: 7: The Great Pohang Guerrilla Hunt
Chapter: 8: “Above and Beyond
Chapter: 9: Peacetime
Part Four: Vietnam
Chapter 1: Provisional Corps Vietnam (PCV)
Chapter 2: Taking Command, 3rd Marine Division
Chapter 3: Assault from the Sky
Chapter 4: Swing Force
Chapter 5: Pacification: Winning Hearts and Minds
Part Five: Post Vietnam
Chapter 1: Post of the Corps: Marine Corps Development and Education Command
Chapter 2: Retirement
Notes
Glossary
Bibliography
Index