Edward Anthony Davis, Captain, USN (RET)

Captain Davis was born in Philadelphia, PA. His early education included St. Joseph’s College Preparatory School, Villanova University and appointment to the United States naval Academy at Annapolis. He graduated from the Naval Academy in 1962.

He underwent Naval flight training, with assignment to VA-152, an attack squadron based at Alameda, California. Deployed aboard the USS Oriskany, he was shot down over North Vietnam on August 26^th, 1965, during his 57^th combat mission. He returned home on February 12^th, 1973, after seven and a half years as a Prisoner-of-War in Hanoi. Accompanying Captain Davis home was a tan puppy named Ma Co, which he had liberated from his captors.

After repatriation, Captain Davis completed graduate work in International Relations at The University of Virginia, serving as an associate professor before returning to Washington as the Navy’s Director of Advertising. He was later appointed Commanding Officer of Navy Recruiting District, Harrisburg, where he served until his retirement in March of 1987.

After retirement he served on the Board of the Lancaster Municipal Airport Authority and as POW Consultant to the National Vietnam War Museum. He also served as Director of the Penn Manor School District for nine years.

His personal military decorations include: Three Silver Stars; the Legion of Merit with Combat Citation; four Bronze Stars with Valor Device; five Air Medals; two Purple Hearts; three Navy Commendation Medals with Valor Device. He was also the recipient of numerous campaign, unit and meritorious service awards.

He has been awarded medals by the Daughters and Sons of the American Revolution and the key to the City of Lancaster. He was an active Sertoman and a Paul Harris Fellow and Life Member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans, Red River Valley Fighter Pilot’s Association and the Fourth Allied POW Wing.

He gained national recognition as an impact speaker and lecturer, having spoken internationally to governmental, educational and private sector groups on subjects of leadership and management under difficult circumstances, coping with change, and the value of patriotic and humanitarian service. His moving presentations were marked by insight and humor that was distinctly American.

Captain Davis is survived by his wife, Karen Wheeler Davis; daughters, Jennifer E., wife of Chris Meyer of Lancaster, and Amanda K. Davis of Wrightsville; stepsons, Mark S. Roda, married to Katherine, of Lancaster, and Tim D. Roda, married to Allison, of Manhatten, NY; stepdaughters, Tara L., wife of Dave McNaughton of Lancaster, and Kimberly R. wife of Tim Moorhead of Louisville, KY; brothers, John Davis of Millersville; Mark Davis of Lynchburg, VA;  and Barry Davis of Norristown; sisters, Cathy Serdikoff of Collegeville, PA; and Linda Paz y Mino of Haverford, PA; and eight grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects to the family on Friday, November 17, 2006 from 5:00-7:30 p.m. at Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home and Chapel, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA, followed by a Celebration of Ed’s Life at 7:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 558 W. Walnut St., Lancaster, PA. Interment in Arlington National Cemetery. Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Hospice of Lancaster County, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604, or American Cancer Society, Lancaster Chapter, 314 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA 17603.