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.
