CW5 (Ret.) Stephen L. Davidson has made an outstanding contribution to Army Aviation over more than three decades of selfless service to the Nation. His heroic actions in Vietnam and later while rescuing climbers atop Mt. McKinley earned him three Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Bronze Stars, 56 Air Medals, the prestigious American Legion Aviator Valor Award, the Daedalian Alaska Rescue Award and many others for courageous and outstanding achievement.

His over 14,500 accident-free flight hours spanning the globe include 1,991 in combat. His technical competence as a standardization instructor pilot in many Army aircraft and ratings in a long list of commercial and foreign military aircraft is unparalleled. His superb leadership and innovation led to the early adoption of night vision goggles by CH-47 crews in Europe during the Cold War changing the Army's doctrinal approach for land warfare.

As the subject matter expert in the exploitation of foreign aviation technology, his aggressive devotion to duty, unwavering competence, and his flawless execution contributed to the development of more effective tactics, techniques and procedures for American aviation forces.

His final active duty assignment was with the Joint Special Operations Command where he served with singular distinction for nearly a decade. His quiet competence was highly effective in the many covert operations that led to a safer and more secure nation.