Roll Call Tribute

This Aggie has passed away.
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From findagrave.com

MAJ Clarence Reid “Buck” Davis

BIRTH 28 Jan 1905
Angelina County, Texas, USA
DEATH 8 Dec 1941 (aged 36)
Pampanga Province, Central Luzon, Philippines
BURIAL
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas, USA
PLOT Section M Site 79-B
MEMORIAL ID 558545 · View Source


Served with the 7th Material Squadron, 19th Bombardment Squadron. He was killed during the initial assualt of the Japanese.
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Davis-Gary Hall at Texas A&M is named after Major Clarence Reid Davis & 2nd Lt. Arthur Edward Gary and was constructed in 1942.

These 2 gentlemen were the first Aggies killed in World War II. The Board of Directors named the hall after both men since it could not be determined which of the men died first.

Major Davis received a Civil Engineering B.S. degree in 1927. Lt. Gary transferred to Texas A&M from the State Teachers College and received a B.S. degree. Major Davis and Lt. Gary were both killed in action in the Philippines in December 1941.
Information submitted by Find A Grave contributor steve s (#47126287)
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Returned from Philippine Islands. USAF Cemetery Manila #2, Code #7747, RE, SR verified by next of kin. Grave No. 79-A Reserved for Widow (Mrs Ruby H Davis of Beaumont, Texas)
Source: U.S. National Cemetery Interment Control Forms, 1928-1962
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Household Members:
Name Age
John Franklin Davis 65
Ellie Francis Davis 53
John Franklin Davis 27
Sarah Jane Davis 22
Clarence R Davis 14
Chester Steele 18
Source: 1920 US Federal Census, Lufkin, Angelina Co., Texas
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9TH Bomb Group Mess Hall Clark Field, Luzon 12:35 p.m., December 8, 1941

Captain Bill Fairfield of the 7th Materiel Squadron had just finished lunch with his buddies and was standing around with several others on the porch outside the mess hall, still laughing about a ridiculous announcement they had just heard on the radio: Clark Field was being bombed! Suddenly, they noticed a large formation of planes coming in high over the hills. “Well, it must be the Navy,” someone piped up. One of the officers took out his field glasses and turned them on the aircraft. “Navy, hell, it’s the Japs!” he shouted.

Just ahead of Fairfield as he ran for the slit trenches was 1st Lt. Bill Cocke of the 19th Group’s Headquarters Squadron. He was followed by Maj. Clarence "Buck" Davis, commander of the 7th Materiel Squadron, and Capt. John Bergstrom, a ground officer in 19th Group headquarters. Then the bombs started exploding all around them, fragments flying in all directions. Fairfield saw Davis, on his immediate right, fall down and lie motionless…” Source: December 8, 1941: MacArthur’s Pearl Harbor by William H. Bartsch, (Texas A&M University Press, College Station 2003), page 314.

Close friend whom I saw die. - - - - Maj. “Buck” Davis - - - - lived in Lufkin, Texas - - - - Killed at Clark Field the first day; high flying bombers – at B.O.Q. I had his watch and the brass off of his uniform but same was lost when all my personal property had to be abandoned on retreat – due to lack of transportation. Source: Notebook of Captain Cary McClure Abney, Jr., page 32 published by William M. Huffman.
Above provided by: Find A Grave contributor steve s


Family Members

Children
Photo
Clarence Reid Davis
1933–1954


Inscription
TEXAS
MAJOR
4 AIR BASE GRP AAF
WORLD WAR II


Maintained by: Paula J
Originally Created by: US Veterans Affairs Office
Added: 25 Feb 2000
Find A Grave Memorial 558545
Source citation