William J. (Bill Jim) Davis enlisted in the U. S. Navy in December 1938. He was assigned to the USS Helena in September 1939. The Helena was damaged when she was torpedoed at pearl harbor on December 7, 1941 and suffered 21 killed, 79 wounded in that attack. Later, Bill Jim survived the sinking of the Helena by Japanese destroyers in the battle of Kula Gulf on July 6, 1943. He was then assigned to the new USS Hornet (CV-12) in August 1943. Bill Jim was commissioned as an ensign

In August 1944 and assigned to LST 343 in November 1944 as the engineering officer. His awards included the Asiatic-Pacific Medal with 13 battle stars and the Navy Unit citation. He was discharged in February 1946. During the Korean War Bill Jim was recalled to active duty in January 1951 and assigned to the Naval Air Station, Atlanta, Georgia. He was released from active duty in January 1954. Bill Jim retired as a Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) in August 1980.