Colonel John E Davis

FAIRHOPE, AL Colonel John E. Davis, U.S. Air Force, retired, passed away on Wednesday, October 19, 2016 in Fairhope Alabama. Col. Davis was born on July 4, 1929 at a coal-mining camp in Farmington, West Virginia, and graduated from East Fairmont High School in 1947. In 1948, he began a 29-year career in the U.S.A.F. He completed pilot training and was commissioned in 1951. He retired as a full Colonel in 1977. He earned a Master of Science degree in Personnel Management from Troy State University in 1978. Following his military retirement, he became a corporate pilot until retiring again in 1991. He is survived by his wife, Sarah F. Davis, his children, Carol Jo Davis and Jennifer (Kevin) O'Neil in Atlanta, Georgia, Christine Davis in Zionsville, Indiana, and his former wife Josephine Davis. Also surviving are grandchildren Nancy Hudson and Sarah (Brian) Horne and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by daughter Dana Hudson. Col. Davis was an “American Hero” and “Patriot”. He had service during the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. His decorations include the Legion of Merit, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Bronze Star and ten Air Medals. He was twice awarded the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, with two silver stars. His service ribbons display ten battle stars. During more than 40 years as a pilot he amassed more than 15,500 hours flying, including more than 1,300 flown in actual combat. He has more combat hours than any other pilot serving in the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. His noteworthy assignments include Commander, 314th Tactical Airlift and Wing Commander at Little Rock Air Force Base, the largest combat wing in the world with 95 C-130 aircraft. He also served as Commander, 16th Special Operations Squadron in Ubon, Thailand, equipped with 16 heavily armed AC-130 gunships. Other noteworthy accomplishments include flying the first ever typhoon penetrations in a C-130 aircraft and flying the first C-130 gunship. Col. Davis delivered emergency helicopter fuel to Khe Sanh regional combat base while under siege and heavy fire by the Viet Cong. He spent five consecutive years from 1968 to 1972 in direct support of the Vietnam conflict. Through his missions, he saved countless allied and American lives. Graveside services and interment will be held Monday, October 24, 2016, at 2:30pm, in the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spanish Fort Alabama. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the charity of your choice.ARRANGEMENTS BYWOLFE-BAYVIEWFUNERAL HOMES& CREMATORY, INC.19698 GREENO ROADFAIRHOPE, AL 36532(251)990-7775