miatabrg91

Thank Buck52, The family does have tracings from the wall, and we have ordered a death certificate. Jim's mother had 11 children. Their father abandoned them, most of the younger children never new him. Jim was the second oldest and helped hold the family together. His tragic loss will never be diminished among his family and friends. The PH is so symbolic of the scale of someone's sacrifice. They deserve a PH!

I don't believe he received a dd 214. His unit has a great website with contact info for most of the unit. I know some members are gathering information about this incident. They have traveled from all over the country to do remembrance events for three of these victims, with the last being planed. The family only learned of the PH not being awarded due to "friendly fire" in the past year from his unit. Some members were very upset about this, but, they were told it would be very hard to fight it. The DD 1300 is marked non-battle under casualty status. His company was engaged in operation Lam Son 719. The previous day Charlie Co. suffered the loss of 1 KIA and 3 WIA, I don't know how you can have "friendly fire" in that environment.

The only paperwork we have now is a report of casualty, DD form 1300. It states "He was at a night defensive position when artillery rounds by a friendly force landed in the area". Is a death certificate still required or will the DD 1300 be sufficient? We haven't talked to them yet, waiting for his file. Also talking to some members of his unit. Not ascertained if the PH was applied for then or denied. THANKS!!

Hi Berta, Thank You so much for what you do!!! My wife Cayla (Jim's oldest sister) has filed for his paperwork. Sadly their mother Rosella passed away a year ago. She would of loved the remembrance ceremony his unit had for him. Of the 6 boy's 5 served honorably in the U.S. Army. I apologize for not replying until now, sometimes life gets in the way. I know it will take some time, but, it is a labor of love. I filled for an increase in my SC disability in 97, it took 7 years. I would of never received it without this site (can't find my long in info from back then). I was told by the DAV my records were burnt in the fire. Someone on this site told me to go to St. Louis (right down the road) and check, needless to say, my records were their and I was finally compensate Thanks, Creig

Berta, I have recently learned that some members of his unit want to file a claim for Jim and 3 others kia from the same event. I don't want to step on their toes, just asking if this is possible ? Would a next of kin have any recourse if their claim is rejected? As a claim must include supporting statements it would be easier for them to coordinate this. Would this group claim filing delay the process and would it be recommended? These are a great group of guys who only have the best interests of their fallen brothers and their families at heart. Just wondered how the coordination between them and four families would work. Would any waivers be appropriate? I guess you would have a similar situation if two next of kin filed a claim. Thanks, Creig

Thanks for this info! I'm contacting a member of his unit that was credited with several news articles to add for those without Facebook.

Please google "CPL James D. Davis" on Facebook for several articles concerning a 46 year remembrance many members of his unit had for him. Four fellow brothers were kia'd and denied purple hearts under the friendly fire rule. The family thought the medal was missing all these years. I have no idea how to go about correcting this wrong for James, his family and his fellow soldiers families. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank You, Creig Anderson