Wayne Gilchrest: “H.R. 3186 is a bill to designate the Federal building in Overland, MO, as the ``Sammy L. Davis Federal Building.'' Sammy…”

“H.R. 3186 is a bill to designate the Federal building in Overland, MO, as the ``Sammy L. Davis Federal Building.'' Sammy Davis is a citizen who distinguished himself in the face of mortal danger. In November 1967, while stationed in Cai Lay, Vietnam, as a cannoneer with the 9th Infantry Division, then Private First Class Davis participated in a fierce ground attack. He personally directed fire at enemy positions with a machinegun, to allow cover for his guncrew to position artillery for direct fire. When his comrades were killed manning this artillery piece, Private First Class Davis took up a position on the howitzer and fired at point blank range into enemy positions. After being injured by a mortar attack, he then rescued his wounded comrades who were trapped across a river, by floating an air mattress to the banks of the far side and pulled three men to safety. He continued his efforts despite wounds suffered during this attack, and joined another howitzer crew and fired upon enemy positions until that force broke contact and fled. His efforts and valor resulted in his receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor.”