Joseph W. Davis
Graduated from University of Oklahoma Business School and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant from the O.U. Army ROTC program in May 1964. His first assignment was at Ft. Eustis, VA for the Transportation Corps Officer Branch school. His next assignment was a nine-month Fixed Wing School at Ft. Rucker, AL. Followed by a sixteen-week Aviation Maintenance Officer Course back at Ft. Eustis. Upon completion of the maintenance course, he received orders for Vietnam. In Vietnam, he was assigned to the 220th Aviation Company that was operating in I Corps. The mission was to support the 1st Marine Division by providing and directing air strikes, artillery and airborne recon. They were flying the O-1 Birddog which proved to be a good aircraft for the mission. They also flew missions for the Special Forces and the MACV units. In June 1967 he completed 12 months plus in Vietnam. He had flown over 1300 plus combat hours supporting our ground troops and received numerous awards including 2 Bronze Stars for Valor, the Gallantry Cross w/Silver Star and the Air Medal with 22 oak leaf clusters. He was then assigned to Ft. Sill, OK as Commander of the aircraft unit whose primary mission was to support the artillery school. In September 1967, he completed his active-duty obligation and returned to civilian life in Norman, OK. He joined the 356th Transportation Company with the U.S. Army Reserves which allowed him to go back to Ft. Rucker for the Rotary Wing Q Course. For the next 7 years he primarily flew the UH 1 D helicopters. In civilian life, he assisted in managing a Fixed Base Operation at Westheimer Airport in Norman. They provided flight training, aircraft maintenance, charter flights, rental and aircraft sales. Within a year they became one of the largest Cessna Dealers. In 1980 they sold the Kansas City operation and in 1987 he started a new company called Wrangler Aviation International. He started buying and selling Turbo Prop and Jet Aircraft in a worldwide market. His company is still operating at Westheimer Airport as of November 2023. His most prestigious award is the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award given by the Federal Aviation Administration in recognition of 50 plus years of exemplary aviation flight experience, distinguished professionalism and steadfast commitment to aviation safety. He joined the O.U. Army ROTC Alumni Association Board in 2016 and has provided invaluable assistance, leadership and marketing skills.
Inducted as Distinguished Alumni November 10, 2023