New Monument Dedicated to Fallen Marine at Linwood Cemetery

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A memorial now stands in Linwood Cemetery to honor Sgt. Rodney Maxwell Davis who acted selflessly and gave his life for his fellow marines. Randy Leedom recalls that moment when he was in Vietnam with Sgt. Davis.

“If it hadn’t been for Sgt. Davis, I wouldn’t have 2 sons, 2 granddaughters and my wife,” said Leedom.

There was a deteriorating wooden sign near Davis’ final resting place that announced his high honor to the city. For Leedom, the man who saved his life needed a bigger presence.

He said, “That wooden sign over there is not the way to honor a Vietnam veteran.”

The 1/5 Vietnam Veterans worked with the Macon Cemetery Preservation Corporation and other organizations to successfully raise the funds needed to honor Macon’s only Medal of Honor recipient. Nicholas Warr says he is grateful to everyone who made this dedication possible.

“There have been so many wonderful people that have come together to help us accomplish our goals and to help us install this monument. Its just been a very heart warming experience,” said Warr.

For Davis’ Family the unveiling of the memorial was a bittersweet moment. His brother, Gordon Davis, spoke about Davis’ courageous effort during the dedication ceremony. For him, finally seeing the memorial was breathtaking.

“I had seen it from its conception when it was drawn up on paper. But to look at it and see the whole thing in reality just really heart warming,” said Davis.

It’s a landmark that the city of Macon can be proud of.  One of their own has left a staple in the community.

“It’s a beacon of light for this community and this cemetery. Hopefully it will put us on the map,” said Alice B. Jackson with the Macon Cemetery Preservation Corporation.

There is also a ship named in honor of the Macon native. The USS Rodney M. Davis is part of the United States Navy. It’s assigned to the Destroyer squadron 9 located in Everett, Washington.