More on Navy Good Conduct Yangtze group

[army historian]

Well it's taken a long while but after paying $70.00 to the National Archives I received about 2" of copy paperwork from Davis' enlisted file. Since it stops in 1943 (as Lt. J.G.) I called and asked for the rest (will see). There is request and transmittal letter for the Yangtze Service medal M.No. 2367 (so that is verified), for service on the USS John D. Edwards (DD-216) also on the USS Blackhawk (AD-9) these cover the entire period 1930-1932. Here is a condensed record:

Entered service 25 Nov. 1927 at Hannibal, Missouri, with Father’s consent (letter dated 25 Nov 1927. Discharged 24 Sep 1931 EM3

26 Mar. 1929 USS Meyer (DD-279) promoted from F3c to F2c Note: Early in 1929 the destroyer began inactivation overhaul and on 15 May 1929 was decommissioned at San Diego. On 17 June she was towed to Mare Island for scrapping. Struck 25 November 1930, her materials were sold 25 February 1932.

15 May 1929 transferred from USS Meyer to USS Reno DD-303

22 Jun 1929 F2C qualified as Expert Rifleman USS Reno.

29 Jun 1929 transferred from USS Reno to USS John D. Edwards (DD-216).

18 Aug 1929 entered the Asiatic Squadron – USS John D. Edwards (DD-216) operated along the West Coast until 1 August 1929 when she sailed for the Far East, arriving Yokohama 26 August. Edwards undertook a lengthy duty as part of the Asiatic Fleet. Operating out of the Philippines along the Chinese Coast and off Japan, she guarded American interests during the Sino-Japanese War in the late 1930s, underwent training and battle practice, and operated with the Yangtze River Patrol, South China Sea Patrol, and the Neutrality patrols.

16 Oct 1929 promoted to F1c.

14 Mar 1929 to R/S Cavite P.I for course at the Sound Motion Picture Technicians School (6 weeks). 21 Apr 1931 complete course.

12 Jan 1930 USS John D. Edwards (DD-216) qualified as Marksman.

30 Jun 1930 qualified as Motion Picture Operator.

25 Jan. 1931 USS John D. Edwards (DD-216) promoted from F1c to EM3 Manila, P.I.

25 Sep 1931 USS John D. Edwards (DD-216) re enlisted at Chefoo, China (4 years). Discription: age 21 years 11 months, Height 5’8”, weight 145 lbs, eyes Brown, Hair Dk. Brown, complexion Ruddy.

20 May 1932 transferred to USS Blackhawk AD-9 (Destroyer Squadron Five)

25 Feb. 1933 USS Blackhawk request for Good Conduct Medal Manila, P.I.

25 Feb. 1933 USS Blackhawk request for Yangtze Service Medal (service John D. Edwards) Manila, P.I.

20 May 1933 USS Blackhawk received Navy Good Conduct Medal engrave “William Lee Davis 1931”.

21 Aug 1933 received Yangtze Service Medal M. No. 2367

25 Sep 1933 transferred to US Peary (DD-226).

12 Jun 1934 – 20 Aug 1934 transferred to USS Chaumont (transport)

20 Aug 1934 received on the USS Barney (DD-149)

21 Mar 1935 Received Gas Mask instruction at Destroyer Base San Diego, CA

10 Jun 1935 Appointment Electrician Mate 2nd.

24 Sep 1935 USS Barney Discharged this date with Honorable Discharge # C158527 by reason of expiration of enlistment: no time lost: Is recommended for Good Conduct Medal, having the required marks; net service 7 yrs, 10 months; on current enlistment: 4 years; final average all marks: 3.78. At San Diego, CA.

14 Feb1936 received Good Conduct Pin engraved “William Lee Davis, 1935”

9 Nov 1936 transferred from USS Barney to R/S Phila. Temp duty transfer to USS Winslow

17 Feb 1937 transferred to USS Winslow (DD-359)

1 Oct 1937 designation as Mail Clerk USS Winslow

16 Feb 1938 USS Winslow (DD-359) promoted to EM1c

26 Feb 1938 USS Winslow (DD-359)

15 Jul 1938 designation as Mail Clerk USS Winslow revoked

16 Jul 1938 trnsferred to Naval Research Lab., Washington D.C. for training interior Communications School.

13 Dec 1938 Naval Research Lab., Washington D.C. extension of enlistment 3 years

27 Jan 1939 transferred to R/S Norfolk, VA to USS Arkansas for duty on USS Sterett.

8 Feb 1939 trans to USS Arkansas

3 Apr 1939 transferred to Navy Yard Charleston, S.C. for duty USS Sterett

15 Aug 1939 transferred to USS Sterett upon commissioning

20 Sep 1939 Agreement to extend cancelled discharged C-230827 – for re enlistment and recommended for Good Conduct Medal.

22 Sep 1939 Re enlisted on USS Sterett for 4 years.

Note: Trade School Sound Motion picture technician Interior Communication School.

16 Dec. 1939 received Good Conduct pin Engraved “Davis, William Lee 1939”

6 Mar 1940 received gas instruction and passed through gas chamber.

12 Oct 1940 transferred from USS Sterett to USS Henley (DD391) Pearl Harbor, H.T.

28 Feb 1941 received appointment as Chief Electrician’s Mate (AA).

30 Apr. 1941 recommended for examination for Warrant Electrician.

18 Jul 1941 acting appointment Warrant Electrician USS Henley

7 Dec 1941 on Henley during Japanese attack.

15-22 Dec. 1941 Wake Island relief mission.

There is a Neptune (Equator Crossing) document dated 1942 to Davis on the USS Indianapolis (trying to trade for along with his sword).

10 Feb. 1943 Commissioned Lieutenant (JG) USNR

End National Archives

More information:

According to the July 1944 Navy Register: Lieutenant William Lee Davis with temporary appointment on 1 July 1944 to Lieutenant File No. 102182.

13 Aug 1945 Navy Report of Change USS Fall River CA-131 for:
Name File # Rank
Davis, William L 102182 Lieutenant

USN Trans 11 Aug 1945 from Naval Landing Forces Depot, Albany, CA for duty on the USS Fall River.

It appears he earned all the WW2 medals on his bars, and the Navy WW2 Occupation with "Asia" bar, China Service Medal (Extend) on the USS Fall River, and the National Defense Medal.

Navy Officer’s Registers:

01 Jan 1949 promoted to LCDR (Navy Register).

01 Aug 1956 Promoted to Commander (CDR) (Navy Register).

Retired 8/1956 (Navy Register).

[Paul R]

That is one heck of a career. Almost 30 years. Can you please post a photo of his items onto this thread, to keep things together?

[army historian]

Sure Paul but not much change for now - as I said I am trying to traded for his sword (initials engraved on scabbard, and name and address in sword case) and the Neptune Equator document. I have not mounted the ribbons (for display only). George

USS John D. Edwards DD-216

USS Blackhawk

USS Sterett DD-407

USS Heney DD-391

USS Indianapolis CA-35

USS Fall River CA-131