b. 1821 Finland. d. 17/11/1863 New York.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 10/02/1862 Elizabeth City, North Carolina.
Civil War Medal of Honor Recipient. He entered the Union Navy at New Jersey and served as a Quarter Gunner. He was awarded the CMOH on General Order Number 11, dated April 3, 1863. His citation reads “Served on board the USS Valley City during action against rebel fort batteries and ships off Elizabeth City, NC, February 1862. When a shell from the shore penetrated the side and passed through the magazine, exploding outside the screen on the berth deck, several powder divisions protecting bulkheads were torn to pieces and the forward part of the berth deck set on fire. Showing great presence of mind, Davis courageously covered a barrel of powder with his own body and prevented an explosion, while at the same time passing powder to provide the division on the upper deck while under fierce enemy fire.” He received his Medal whilst on board USS Choctaw later in 1863.
MOH CITATION:
Served on board the U.S.S. Valley City during action against rebel fort batteries and ships off Elizabeth City, N.C., on 10 February 1862. When a shell from the shore penetrated the side and passed through the magazine, exploding outside the screen on the berth deck, several powder division protecting bulkheads were torn to pieces and the forward part of the berth deck set on fire. Showing great presence of mind, Davis courageously covered a barrel of powder with his own body and prevented an explosion, while at the same time passing powder to provide the division on the upper deck while under fierce enemy fire.
BURIAL LOCATION: CYPRESS HILLS NATIONAL CEMETERY, BROOKLYN, NEW YORK.
SECTION 6, GRAVE 12336
LOCATION OF MEDAL: UNKNOWN.
