States. Davis' next assignment was in the Far East, where he served as assistant division commander, 3rd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force, on Okinawa, from October 1963 to November 1964. During this period, he also performed additional duty as commanding general, SEATO Expeditionary Brigade, EXLIGTAS, in the Philippines, during June 1964; and as commanding general, 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade, in China Sea Contingency Operations, from August 2, to October 16, 1964. In December 1964, he was assigned to Headquarters Marine Corps. He served as assistant director of personnel until March 1965, then served as assistant chief of staff, G-1, until March 1968. For his service in the latter capacity, he was awarded a second Legion of Merit medal. He was promoted to Major general in November 1966. Vietnam War In March 1968, he was sent to the South Vietnam and served until May 1968 as the Deputy Commanding General of the Provisional Corps. He then became commanding general, 3rd Marine Division until April 1969. When he took command of the division, he ordered Marine units to move out of their combat bases and engage the enemy. He had noted that the manning of the bases and the defensive posture they had developed was contrary to their normally aggressive style of fighting. As part of this change in tactics, he would order Operation Dewey Canyon in early 1969 to engage the People's Army of Vietnam in the A Shau Valley. During this battle, his son Miles Davis'', a rifle company platoon commander in K Company, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines, was wounded in action. For his service as commanding general of the 3rd Marine Division from May 22, 1968, until April 14, 1969, he was awarded the Navy Distinguished Service Medal. The South Vietnam government awarded him several decorations including three Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Crosses. 1969–1972 In May 1969, Davis was assigned duty as deputy for education with additional duty as director, Education Center, Marine Corps Development and Education Command, Quantico, Virginia. After his promotion to Lieutenant general on July 1, 1970, he was reassigned duty as commanding general, Marine Corps Development and Education Command. On February 23, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon nominated Davis for appointment to the grade of general and assignment to the position of Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps. His nomination was confirmed by the Senate and he received his fourth star on March 12, 1971.