At the outbreak of the war, Davis was working as a carpenter in Lebanon, New Hampshire. He enlisted with Captain House and at the organization of Company C was mustered in as a sergeant. While the company was stationed at Beaufort, S.C., Davis spent some time in New Hampshire on recruitment activities.   He was present for both assaults on Fort Wagner in July, 1863, and was the first to demand the surrender of a confederate officer.  He was one of the few officers of Company C to survive the battles and remained in charge of the company for several weeks after the assault.  Davis was severely wounded in the leg during the engagement at Olustee, Florida, and recuperated  at home.  He rejoined his regiment in 1864 and remained on duty until the expiration of his term of service.   (pp. 517-519).