South Dakota Remembers Korean War Hero Lowell Davis

by Duke Doering

     Colonel Lowell M. Davis was USP & FO [US Property and Fiscal Officer] for South Dakota from 1981 until his retirement in 1989. Davis had a long history with the South Dakota National Guard having joined the 211th Engineer Battalion, Lemmon, SD, in 1956. During his career he held many leadership positions in the Engineers and at State Headquarters.

     For many years he held the position of Military Support to Civil Authorities, and he was later promoted to Plans, Operations, and Training Officer for the South Dakota National Guard. He was well known for his many years of service to the National Guard. But few people were aware that he had prior service with the U.S. Army as an Infantry Officer in the Korean War.  Davis received both the Distinguished Service Cross and the Silver Star during his service in Korea.  Davis was recognized for his courage under fire on May 16, 1953 with this citation from the 3rd Infantry Division.

    First Lieutenant LOWELL M. DAVIS, 065394, Infantry, Company “G”, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. During the early morning hours of 16 May 1953, Lieutenant Davis was directing his company in the defense of Outpost “Harry” against a numerically superior hostile attack in the vicinity of Songnae-dong, Korea. The enemy began shelling the area with artillery and mortar concentrations. Soon after, the hostile troops began their attack with small arms fire and grenades.

     Lieutenant DAVIS immediately took control of the situation and began planning operations to strengthen the defense of the outpost. He moved through the platoon areas that were subjected to intense mortar, artillery and small arms fire to observe the attack and keep well informed of the enemy’s action. He exposed himself to the enemy fire to rally his men and direct their fire at the oncoming foe. As a result of his courage and inspirational leadership, his men repelled the attack. Lieutenant DAVIS’ outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Davis entered the Federal service from South Dakota.

     Colonel (ret.) Lowell Davis resides in Rapid City with his wife Jan.  He is active in the community and still enjoys downhill skiing in the Northern Hills.