Paris Davis displayed extraordinary courage during the Vietnam War, particularly when he refused to abandon his men during a fierce ambush. As one of the first Black officers in the U.S. Army Special Forces, Davis demonstrated exceptional leadership, risking his life to protect and save his comrades despite being under heavy enemy fire. His actions that day were nothing short of heroic, but it wasn’t until nearly 60 years later that he was awarded the Medal of Honor. This recognition came only after a long campaign led by fellow Vietnam veterans, who worked tirelessly to ensure that Davis received the honor he truly deserved.
Paris Davis’ entry into the US Army
Paris Davis was born in Ohio on May 6, 1939. Raised in a working-class family with a father employed at a foundry, Davis developed a strong interest in both the military and athletics from a young age. While studying at Southern University in Louisiana, he balanced his love for both, earning a political science degree through an ROTC scholarship while also excelling on the football field, where he gained recognition as an All-American halfback.
In 1962, Davis enlisted in the U.S. Army. His sharp intellect and athletic abilities helped him quickly advance through the ranks. He became one of the first Black officers in the Army’s Special Forces, a major achievement during a time when racial barriers were prevalent.
As a captain in the 5th Special Forces Group, Davis was well aware of the obstacles he would face. His commander advised him that, due to his race, he would have to work harder to earn the respect of his men. Davis embraced this challenge head-on, establishing firm expectations of discipline and respect. He made it clear that any disrespect, including not addressing him as “sir,” would have serious repercussions.
Deployment to Vietnam
Paris Davis and his team were sent to Vietnam in early 1965, parachuting into a remote farming area in Bình Định province. This region was a major route for Viet Cong guerrillas and North Vietnamese Army (NVA) soldiers. The Green Berets’ mission was to train a group of local volunteers.
Davis first proved his bravery in May 1965, when he rescued an aviation fuel truck driver in Bồng Sơn. The truck, loaded with aviation fuel, lost control, flipped onto its side, and trapped the driver inside. Ignoring his own safety and the driver’s protests, Davis rushed to help. As he carried the man to safety, the truck burst into flames.
For his actions, Davis was later awarded the Soldier’s Medal in 1968.
Paris Davis didn’t want to leave any man behind
Paris Davis didn’t wait long to further distinguish himself in Vietnam, risking his life for his men during an enemy attack in June 1965. The day began early for him, the 12 servicemen with the 883rd Regional Forces Company and the accompanying 90 South Vietnamese volunteers. They’d been tasked with conducting a surprise raid on an NVA camp deep in the jungle.
Davis and Master Sgt. Billy Waugh stormed into the enemy commander’s hut and killed him at close range. At the same time, the other members of the group threw grenades and shot their rifles. The majority of the NVA troops were caught unawares and killed in their cots. Some, however, heard the commotion and escaped into the jungle.
Considering the raid a success, Davis and his men started making their way back to camp. That’s when they heard the sound of bugles, signaling an impending ambush by the NVA – and a rather large one, at that. The team was pushed into a rice paddy with no cover as sniper fire rained down on them. Three bullets struck Waugh, while another hit the medic in the head. A mortar blast also knocked out the group’s weapons specialist.
Frequently exposing himself to enemy fire, Davis rallied his unit and directed their own small arms fire throughout what became a 19-hour standoff. He himself suffered severe injuries to his leg and hand, with a grenade blast practically tearing off his trigger finger. Despite his injuries, he continued to evacuate his wounded comrades, even as air support arrived and dropped bombs over the area. Among those he rescued was Waugh.
A colonel watching the engagement from above ordered Davis to seek shelter, but he refused, as it meant leaving behind his men. He frequently shot his M16 rifle with his pinkie finger while sprinting to the injured and dragging them to safety. When relief arrived, he refused medical aid for himself until everyone had been evacuated. It’s widely believed his efforts ensured each member of his team made it out alive.
Recommended for the Medal of Honor
Paris Davis received the Purple Heart and Silver Star for his bravery in battle. His commander, Maj. Billy J. Cole, was so moved by Davis’s courage and loyalty to his men that he immediately nominated him for the Medal of Honor. However, as time passed without progress, Cole launched an inquiry and found that the original nomination had disappeared. Determined to see Davis recognized, he submitted the nomination again, convinced that Davis had earned the nation’s highest military honor.
Years went by with no response. Frustrated, Davis’s fellow soldiers pushed for him to receive the recognition he deserved, but their efforts were ignored. Eventually, they discovered that the second nomination had also vanished, leading many to suspect that Davis had been skipped over because of his race.
Despite these obstacles, Davis continued his military service and rose to command the 10th Special Forces Group. After retiring in 1985 as a colonel, he founded The Metro Herald, a Virginia-based newspaper that focused on civil rights and highlighted the accomplishments of African Americans.
In 2019, Davis was recognized for his outstanding service by being inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame.
Paris Davis is presented with the Medal of Honor
Some two years later, it was announced that then-Acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller had ordered an expedited review of the Green Beret’s lost Medal of Honor nomination. Despite the deadline being March 2021, there was little in the way of updates. That is, until November 2022, when a Pentagon official told Military.com that the nomination had been approved by Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Paris Davis’ nomination was passed to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who approved it and sent it to President Joe Biden’s desk for further approval.
On March 3, 2023, nearly 60 years after Davis’ heroics in Vietnam, he was awarded the Medal of Honor at a ceremony held at the White House. Speaking at the presentation, Biden called the veteran a “true hero” and “everything this medal means […] brave and big-hearted, determined and devoted, selfless and steadfast – America.”