Book Description

The first biography of the Marine general 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, from the introduction 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. “Camp writes an awe-inspiring book of a humble and unsung Marine war hero—a national treasure—who gave his absolute all in the service to his country, the Marine Corps, and his Marines. These facts come across clearly in substantive depth throughout the book. It is historically accurate and crafted in such a way that unmistakably brings Davis’s heroics to light and life for the reader.” —Military Review “A good book told by a competent author; it’s well researched and written. If you’re a Jarhead, it’s a must read.” —The VVA Veteran “A well-crafted biography of an important Marine commander. It illustrates well through Davis’ career the Marine Corps of the mid-Twentieth century.” —Paul Westermeyer, Historian