On November 18, 1967, Sgt. Davis (then
Private First Class) distinguished himself during the early morning hours
while serving as a cannoneer with Battery C, at a remote fire support base.
At approximately 0200
hours, the fire support base was under heavy enemy mortar attack.
Simultaneously, an estimated reinforced Viet Cong battalion launched
a fierce ground assault upon the fire support base. The attacking
enemy drove to within 25 meters of the friendly positions. Only a
river separated the Viet Cong from the fire support base. Sammy Davis, wounded and under intense enemy fire, crossed a river to rescue three wounded soldiers near Cai Lay, Vietnam.
On November 19, 1968, Davis received the Medal of Honor. The footage from that day as well as Davis's citation were used as source materials for the film Forrest Gump.
