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★Victoria Cross

A comprehensive archive of decorated military heroes from Commonwealth, American, and allied traditions, ranked by the Unified Scoring Matrix (USM-25). Honouring valour through history.

USM-25.2Scoring Standard

Scored under the Unified Scoring Matrix (USM-25)

Samuel Walker Davis — Victoria Cross

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Service Profile

Branch: U.S. Navy
Rank: Ordinary Seaman
Service Era: American Civil War, Battle of Mobile Bay
Medals Recorded: 2

Samuel Walker Davis

Ordinary Seaman, U.S. Navy

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American Civil WarBattle of Mobile Bay

Awards & Decorations

Medal of Honor
Civil War Campaign Medal Navy

Ribbon Rack

Biography

Eyes on hidden torpedoes as Brooklyn charged into Mobile Bay!

Samuel W. Davis faced a danger at Mobile Bay that could not always be seen. As an ordinary seaman aboard USS Brooklyn on 5 August 1864, he served as a lookout for torpedoes and obstructions while the ship advanced under heavy fire.

Davis maintained exceptional vigilance and courage in that exposed duty as the fleet fought its way past the Confederate defenses. His performance during the passage earned him the Medal of Honor.

Medal of Honor Citation (condensed)

As a lookout for torpedoes and obstructions aboard USS Brooklyn at Mobile Bay, Davis displayed extreme courage and vigilance under enemy fire.

Born in 1845 at Brewer, Maine, Davis survived the war and lived until 5 May 1914, when he died in Boston, Massachusetts. He was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery at Brewer.

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