Davis, Fred E., Sr., SGM

RANGER HALL OF FAME
1994
Sergeant Major Davis distinguished himself throughout his 33-year Army career while serving in combat during three wars in Ranger and Special Operations assignments. Always a volunteer, Sergeant Major Davis served with distinction during World War II as a member of the 3rd Ranger Battalion. While engaged in heavy fighting on the Anzio Beachhead in Italy, he was wounded and subsequently captured by enemy forces. After numerous attempts, Sergeant Major Davis successfully escaped from his German Captors and made his way to Allied Lines. In 1950 during the Korean War, a call for Ranger Volunteers was again issued and Sergeant Major Davis rose to the challenge and joined the 3rd Airborne Ranger Company. After heavy fighting at the battle for "Bloody Nose Ridge", he was recognized for his superior leadership ability and awarded a battlefield commission. Following deactivation of the Airborne Ranger Companies in Korea at the start of Armistice Talks, he served with the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team and then volunteered to return to Korea and participate in extensive Ranger-related Unconventional Warfare activities. These operations served as forerunners for the establishment of Special Warfare Schools and later Special Forces units. After reverting to enlisted rank Sergeant Major Davis served several tours in Vietnam as both A and B Team leaders. Sergeant Major Davis' long and distinguished career reflects great credit on himself, past and present Ranger units, and the military service.