Davidson, Gerald W.

Gerald Wayne Davidson was born on the first day of May in 1940 to Mr. and Mrs. Hester Davidson. Raised in Oak Ridge, Davidson attended Middle Tennessee State College once he came of age and enrolled in the Reserve Officers Training Corps. He graduated and commissioned in August 1962 as a rotary wing aviation officer and was then sent to serve in Vietnam with the 114th Assault Helicopter Company. On 29 June 1964, First Lieutenant Davidson gave his life for his country when his helicopter crashed as a result of enemy activity-- hostile fire hit the UH-1B helicopter he was piloting and crashed, killing all four crew members aboard. Davidson flew a "smoke ship"; (a helicopter designed to lay down a smoke screen over a landing zone) for the 114th Assault Helicopter Company. “Lieutenant Davidson fought with every means at his disposal to save his helicopter and assist fellow crew members. Lieutenant Davidson’s actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service,” stated the citation as he was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Lieutenant Davidson rests peacefully at Anderson Memorial Gardens in Dossett, Tennessee.

Gerald is honored on the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial in Washington DC. Name inscribed at VVM Wall, Panel 01e, Line 56.

See a service overview at https://www.honorstates.org/index.php?id=269000

Distinguished Flying CrossLeadership ExcellencePurple Heart

CUSTOMS Globe


Connect with the Daniels Center

Facebook icon  YouTube icon  Twitter icon Instagram icon


Roll Call - Veteran Speakers' SeriesSign Up For Daniels Center EmailsDonate Now to Support Veterans InitiativesVeteran Impact CelebrationFREE TUTORING!


Contact Us!

Office: KUC 124 / 316

Email:

Phone: 615-904-8347


Magazine