Admiral Donald Cooke Davis was born in New Boston on January 24, 1921, the son of Randal N. and Alice Isabelle (Cooke) Davis. He was a 1938 graduate of Brookfield High School and attended the University of Missouri-Columbia while awaiting his appointment to the United States Naval Academy (USNA) at Annapolis, MD. He was admitted to the USNA, Class of 1944, but due to World War II, graduated on June 9, 1943 with a Bachelor of Science degree in marine engineering and was commissioned as an Ensign in the US Navy.

Admiral Davis had a very active and distinguished military career which spanned three wars: World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

During World War II, Admiral Davis took part in nine missions aboard the cruiser Mobile in the Pacific Theater. After earning his pilot's wings in 1946, Admiral Davis spent the next 12 years in naval fighter squadrons having flown with the Navy's first jet squadron. While assigned to the fighter squadron he also trained fighter pilots. During the Korean War, Admiral Davis flew 51 combat missions. While serving in the Vietnam War, he was assigned commanding officer of the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk in the Indian Ocean. Admiral Davis' career culminated with his tour as commander of the Pacific Fleet from May of 1978 to July of 1981.

During his career, which lasted almost 40 years, Admiral Davis received a number of distinguished and meritorious military declarations. Among his many honors, Admiral Davis was awarded the Air Medal with a gold star, was twice awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, and earned the Legion of Merit four times.

As a true hero and patriot, Admiral Donald Cooke Davis served his Nation and community with great honor. Admiral Davis passed away in July of 1998