Fallen Warrior: SSgt Luther Eugene Davis

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Spencer Tobler
  • 81st Training Wing Public Affairs

SSgt. Luther Eugene Davis was a pararescue specialist from Anderson County, Tennessee and served three tours in Vietnam. On April 15, 1970 during his final tour, Davis was participating in an aerial flight of an HH-3E helicopter(Jolly Green 27) of the 37th Air Rescue and Recovery Squadron (now the 37th Helicopter Squadron), in Kon Tum province, South Vietnam. Davis’ crew was attempting the rescue of a U.S. Army helicopter where he was wounded on the first attempt. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Davis continued to deliver extremely accurate suppressive fire from his exposed position in the helicopter on two more attempts until his own helicopter was shot down, then continued to try to rescue his own crew members even though he suffered severe burns over 75 percent of his body. On May 25, 1970 he died from the wounds suffered in the crash at the age of 23 years old. Davis is honored on the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial in Washington D.C., and the Davis Manor located here on Keesler Air Force Base is named in Davis’s honor. 

 

Editors note:

The Fallen Warrior series highlights Fallen Warriors who exemplify our core values and paid the ultimate sacrifice. Take a moment to honor this week’s hero.