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Davis, Lt. Col. George A., Jr.

Dublin, Erath County, Texas

Marker Inscription

One of six sons who served in the military, George A. Davis, Jr. was born in Dublin in 1920 to Pearl (Love) and George Davis. He enlisted as an aviation cadet at Lubbock in Mar. 1942. Davis was among the first P-47 Thunderbolt pilots, flying hundreds of missions during World War II. In the Korean War, he was a leading Ace in the 334th Fighter Interceptor Squadron. On Feb. 10, 1952, Davis led an F-86 SabreJet Combat Aerial Patrol near the Manchurian border. He shot down two attacking MIG-15s before his plane took a direct hit and crashed south of the Yalu River. Already highly decorated, Davis posthumously received the Congressional Medal of Honor and promotion to Lt. Colonel for his final heroic actions. (2008)

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

Born in Dublin in 1920, George A. Davis, Jr. was one of six brothers who served in the military. He enlisted as an aviation cadet in 1942, flew hundreds of missions as an early P-47 Thunderbolt pilot in World War II, and became a leading jet Ace in Korea with the 334th Fighter Interceptor Squadron. On February 10, 1952, near the Manchurian border, he downed two MiG-15s before his own SabreJet was hit and crashed south of the Yalu River. He received the Medal of Honor posthumously.

Why it matters

Davis stands among the most decorated American airmen of the early jet age, a hometown son whose sacrifice links the Second World War to the fierce air combat of Korea.

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Related people

  • · George A. Davis, Jr.

Related events

  • · Korean War
  • · World War II

Themes & tags

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