WWII

Archie Cecil Davis, Jr.

Rate / Rank
FL O

Birthdate
1922

Date of Death
July 11 1943

Branch
USAAC

Active Duty Service
June 16 1941 - July 11 1943

Conflicts & Campaigns

Southwest Pacific
Flight Officer Archie Davis was brand new to the squadron when he was shot down by a Japanese fighter while escorting C-47's supporting the invasion of Salamaua, Papua New Guinea. His attacker was himself shot down moments later by Captain Tim "Tint" Fowler. Davis was the squadron's second loss in two days. Davis was last seen, his plane on fire, disappearing "into the haze" below.

Significant Duty Stations

Inducted; Napier Field, Dothan, Alabama. Commissioned and received "wings" at Napier Field, Dothan, Alabama, November 1942.
USAAF 9th Fighter Squadron (Lockheed P-38, "Flying Knights"), 49th Fighter Group

Decorations & Citations

Air Medal; Purple Heart; Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal

Notes

Enlisted as Staff Sergeant. US Army service number 140-454-62. Officer T-1863512. Graduate of Cairo High School Class of 1940. Missing in Action. Memorial marker; Manila American Cemetery, Fort Bonifacio, Manila, Philippines.