Despite early victories in liberating South Korea from its northern aggressors, U.N. troops suffered dramatic set-backs in November and December 1950, as Chinese troops attacked from the north. In the Chosin Reservoir of North Korea, the U.S. Marines encountered overwhelming enemy forces, and one outfit, Fox Company, had been cut off from its allies. After three unsuccessful attempts to liberate the surrounded rifle company, Colonel Litzenberg of the 7th Marines turned the matter to Lieutenant Colonel Raymond G. Davis.

Given 20 minutes to plan his mission, Davis gathered his troops, stripped them of all but the most essential supplies, and set out over icy ridges to extricate the isolated company from its position surrounded by enemy forces. Under nearly constant fire from the Chinese and in temperatures of 20 degrees below zero and lower, Davis led his company to Toktong Pass, securing a vital passage for the stranded company.

For his heroism he received the Medal of Honor.

Two years after the battle, at a White House ceremony to award the Medal of Honor, President Harry S. Truman presented a citation, commending Davis for "his superb leadership, outstanding courage and brilliant tactical ability." The citation also acknowledges Davis' personal valor in circumstances that would test any military man:

Always in the thick of fighting, Lieutenant Colonel Davis led his battalion over three successive ridges in the deep snow in continuous attacks against the enemy and, constantly inspiring and encouraging his men throughout the night, brought his unit to a point within 1500 yards of the surrounded rifle company by daybreak. Although knocked to the ground when a shell fragment struck his helmet and two bullets pierced his clothing, he arose and fought his way forward at the head of his men until he reached the isolated Marines.

The success of this mission and the capture of Toktong Pass allowed the safe evacuation of two regiments of Marines and more than 100,000 North Koreans fleeing communist dictatorship.

Although commended for outstanding leadership, Davis credits the victory to his men. In his description of the events in The Story of Ray Davis, he writes:

Throughout this lengthy ordeal on a mission which only they thought could succeed, I heard not one complaint from my troops. What motivated them? First, Marines were in trouble and we would rescue them. Then, some of the units in our formation had themselves been rescued on prior days and were en route to return the favor. Marines know that they can rely on other Marines.