Charles L. Davis

DAVIS CHARLES LUCIEN DAVIS Charles Lucien Davis, "Charlie" retired USAF WWII Lieutenant Colonel, went to eternal rest on February 17, 2012 at the age of 92. He is survived by daughter Barbara and son-in-law Bobby, son Rusty and daughter-in-law Kathy, grandchildren Morgan and husband Matthew, Caitlin, and Victoria, and great-grandson Logan. He is also survived by longtime companion, May Hargreaves. He was born on June 8, 1919 in Staten Island, NY to Henry Clarke and Florence Lindgren Davis. He survived sister Florence "Sissy" Swenson and Henry Clarke Davis, Jr. During World War II Charlie flew in combat as a Bombardier/Navigator on a B-24 Liberator Bomber attached to the 459th Bomb Group stationed in Giulia, Italy. After 14 successful missions he was forced to parachute from his aircraft over Yugoslavia. His crew was rescued by the Serbian Nationalist Resistance Force headed by General Draza Mihailovich and they were MIA for 66 days, from June 6 - August 2, 1944. He and his team were then recovered by an OSS mission titled "Halyard Mission." His awards include the Purple Heart, Air Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, the European Theaters of Operations Medal with seven campaign stars, and others. After the War he attended Benjamin Franklin University and earned a degree in Commercial Science. He then became a civilian employee with the USAF in the Pentagon and his last assignment was Budget and Programs Chief in the Office of the Surgeon General of the USAF. Among his civic activities, Charlie was a founding member of the Jefferson Volunteer Fire Department in Fairfax County, VA. He was also Commander of Falls Church Legion Post 130, McLean Legion Post 270, and Virginia's 10th District American Legion. He was also a member of The 40 and Eight. He was active in creating Government Services Savings & Loan, North Woodley Civic Association and worked in private tax preparations following his retirement from the Federal Government in 1973. During his retirement, Charlie traveled extensively in the United States. He returned to his Air Force venues in Italy and Serbia in later years. During ceremonies in Belgrade, Serbia on May 8-9, 2005, he and two other 15th Air Force airmen and two former OSS members were able to present the Legion of Merit Medal and Degree of Chief Commander to Gen. Mihailovich's daughter. These had been awarded by President Harry S. Truman to Gen. Mihailovich in 1948, but never presented. Services will be held at National Memorial Park, 7482 Lee Highway Falls Church, VA 22042. The viewing will be held Monday 6 to 9 p.m. and the funeral service will be Tuesday at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the "40 and Eight Nurses Scholarship" care of Richard C. Rooney, 9022 Trailridge Ct. Vienna, VA 22182.