Donald Francis Davis

Donald F. Davis, 80, died on September 23, 2011. Born in Brooklyn, NY. Colonel Davis resided in Virginia since 1971. After a year at Notre Dame University, he received an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. Upon his graduation, as a member of the Class of 1953, he was commissioned as an Infantry Officer.

Colonel Davis was stationed throughout the United States, Korea, Germany, Vietnam and Hawaii. He had assignments with four different Airborne Infantry units, the United Nations Military Armistice Commission in Korea and taught mathematics at West Point. While in Vietnam, he commanded the 1st Battalion, 502nd Airborne Infantry. His final assignment was as a Division Chief in the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

He was a graduate of the Ranger School, Command and General Staff College and the Industrial College of The Armed Forces. Master of Science degrees were earned in Mathematics from Rensselear Polytechnic Institute, and Business Administration from George Washington University. Military decorations included the Combat Infantry Badge, two Silver Stars, Distinguished Flying Cross, three Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, eight Air Medals, one with V Device, and three Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star.

Following his retirement from the Army in 1975, he joined The BDM Corporation where he ultimately became the Vice President of Advanced Programs and Assessments. In 1988, he joined his former West Point roommate at the newly founded Defense Group Incorporated where he was Vice President for Analytic Assessments. In 1988, with his wife and youngest son, they founded DAS Incorporated, which operated the Art Emporium in Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax, until 1999.

He is survived by his adored wife of 58 years, Claire Hartmann Davis, three daughters, Lisa Ann (John) Williams of Fairfax City, VA; Michele (David) Novak of Lawrenceville, N.J., and Sharon Akers of Culpeper, VA. He also had three sons, John Thomas, who died in 2003; Stephen Paul, who died in 2008. His third son, William Gavin, resides in Reston with his wife, Donna. He is also survived by thirteen grandchildren, one great grandson, and a brother, Reverend William F. Davis, OSFS of Wilmington, DE.

Following the burial, family and friends will be received at the Davis residence.