Harland M. Davis, Jr. was born on June 4, 1935, to Mr. Harland M. and Rhoda Glaspey Davis. His home of record is Bridgeton, NJ. He had four brothers, Joseph, Glen, Robert and George.

Harland graduated from Bridgeton High School in 1953, and continued his education at Lehigh University for a year before he began Air Force Cadet Training. In 1957, while in Greenville, MI, he received his commission in the US Air Force. Davis completed one tour of duty in Vietnam in 1965, and returned for another tour on June 13, 1972. He attained the rank of Major (MAJ).

On July 7, 1972, upon returning from a mission in Southeast Asia to Ubon Airfield in Thailand where he was based, Davis was killed when his F-4 Phantom Jet crashed about three miles from the field.

Davis left behind his parents and brothers, along with his wife, Lucy Spinelli Davis, and their three children. At the time of his death his daughter, Patty, was twelve, and his two sons, Ricky and Jeff, were eight and five.

During Davis’ outstanding career in the Air Force, he received the Air Force Commendation Medal in 1962, 1969 and 1970. From March 1965 to January 1966, he also received ten Oak Leaf Clusters. In January 1966, Davis was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, May 1965, the Combat Readiness Medal and in 1969, the Army Commendation Medal.

Davis was buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA, with full military honors.

Sources: Monmouth University Student and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024