HOLLYWOOD — Retired Col. Paris D. Davis, who was awarded the Medal of Honor in March — nearly 60 years after being nominated for his heroism during the Vietnam War — will be the grand marshal of Sunday’s 91st Hollywood Christmas Parade.
“I am honored and very grateful to be chosen as Grand Marshal of the Hollywood Christmas Parade,” Davis said shortly after the November announcement. “I am especially pleased that this wonderful annual tradition raises awareness of the important work that Marine Toys for Tots are doing to bring gifts and holiday cheer to those less fortunate. The parade also brings goodwill to people from all walks of life throughout the world. It’s a good reminder about what America stands for, who we are, and all that we can accomplish when we come together.”
Davis, one of the first Black officers to serve in the Army’s elite Green Berets, was recognized “for his daring rescue of two severely injured soldiers during an intense battle in the Vietnam War” on June 18, 1965.
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The now 84-year-old Davis was twice nominated for the nation’s highest award for military valor in action, but the paperwork was lost or misplaced — both times — and he was awarded a Silver Star instead. His other military honors include a Purple Heart, a Soldier’s Medal and a Bronze Star.
“Paris … volunteered … to serve a country that in many places still refused to serve people who look like him,” President Joe Biden said during the March 3 Medal of Honor ceremony. “[He is] everything this medal means: Brave and big-hearted, determined and devoted, selfless and steadfast — America.”
Davis served as commander of the 10th Special Forces Group in Fort Devens, Mass. and was inducted into the U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame in 2019.
After retiring from the Army in 1985, Davis founded and published the Metro Herald newspaper in…
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