[4] In 1886, Davis received an appointment to the United States Military Academy from Congressman Frank Hiscock.

[3] He remained with the 5th Artillery until 1894, and was with his regiment when it took part in the response to labor unrest in San Francisco during the 1894 the Pullman Strike.

[3] During the Spanish–American War, Davis was assigned to depot quartermaster duties, and assumed responsibility for purchasing, inspecting, and shipping large quantities of supplies and equipment to Army units serving in Cuba and elsewhere.

[3] Major General Elwell Stephen Otis, commander of the Philippine Department subsequently appointed Davis as head of the Army Transport Service in Manila, making Davis responsible for coordinating the train and ship movement of troops and supplies throughout the Philippines.

[3] While serving in the Philippines, Davis also traveled to China during the Boxer Rebellion to coordinate the withdrawal and transportation of U.S. service members.

[3] He took part in the response to the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, including firefighting and search and rescue of citizens trapped in collapsed buildings.

[3] In December 1917, Davis was promoted to temporary brigadier general and assigned to command of the 32nd Heavy Artillery Brigade.

[3][6] After arriving in France, Davis' brigade completed training at Limoges, then moved to the front in time to participate in the Battle of Saint-Mihiel.

[3] Davis also served as director of the Berkeley chapter of the American Red Cross and treasurer of the Army Relief Society's Pacific Coast branch.

[9][10] In 1942, Congress enacted a law permitting general officers from World War I to be advanced one grade on the retired list if they had been recommended during the war for a promotion they did not receive, and if they had received the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, or Army Distinguished Service Medal.