A Flight of Valor: The Story of Mervyn A. Davenport (Buzz)
Patient Advocate Sherrie Busjahn lead a team of VA employees at The Redding VA OPC, to arrange a Flight of Valor for a 103-year-old Veteran.
The Northern California Healthcare System, honors Mervyn A. Davenport on March 21, 2025., affectionately known as Buzz— a distinguished 103-year-old Veteran of the Army Air Corps. Buzz served with the 316th Airborne Troop Carrier Group, one of the pioneering troop carrier units deployed overseas.
In the quiet town of Los Gatos, California, young Mervyn A. Davenport—affectionately known as Buzz—stood wide-eyed in his grandmother's garage, surrounded by the rich scent of fresh wood shavings and the unmistakable hum of passion. His dreams soared higher than the mountainous skyline of the Sierra Nevada, and in that cramped space, he worked diligently, piecing together what would become his very own airplane. Little did he know, those formative years would lay the groundwork for a life defined by courage and adventure.
As the clouds of World War II gathered over the world, Buzz's dreams took a sharper, more urgent turn. On September 12, 1940, fueled by a sense of duty and a yearning for the sky, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps. Within a short span, he found himself amongst the Airborne Troop Carrier 316, one of the first troop carrier groups to be dispatched overseas. Buzz's spirit radiated with pride as he donned his uniform, his heart thumping in rhythm with the roar of engines overhead.
His journey took him across the North African deserts, the battle-scarred hills of Tunisia, and the strategic skies over Sicily. Each mission was a test of bravery, carrying precious cargo of men and supplies into dangerous territories. Despite the absence of a weapon—an unspoken understanding of the perilous nature of his role—the badge of the European/African Middle Eastern Theater Service Medal with four bronze stars gleamed proudly on his chest, a testament to his extraordinary valor and unyielding spirit in the face of adversity.
As a pilot, Buzz encountered breathtaking vistas that ordinary men could only dream of. He soared through the azure skies, navigating the intricacies of flight with grace and precision. His experiences in the air left an indelible mark on his psyche, shaping not only the man he would become but also the legacy he would leave behind. This legacy was immortalized in the book “Valor Without Arms,” where his military unit was mentioned by name. The title encapsulated the hardened reality faced by pilots—those brave souls who ventured into the unknown, relying on skill and luck rather than firearms for their survival.
When the war ended on August 1, 1945, Buzz's journey was far from over. His aviation prowess transitioned into a civilian career at Gunnells Aviation, where he certified countless civilians, including celebrities. Buzz, always the charming daredevil, took on stunt piloting in films like "The Blue Max," starring George Peppard, and "It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's Debbie," where he aided Debbie Reynolds with his aerial feats. His name became synonymous with thrill and excitement, and he proudly joined the ranks of the Screen Actors Guild.
Yet, as his adventures in Hollywood unfolded, another calling beckoned. Buzz became a Principal Operations Inspector and Flight Instructor for the FAA, where his dedication shifted to ensuring the safety and proficiency of the skies he had once roamed freely. He conducted crucial accident investigations and guided budding pilots towards their own dreams of flight. His adept knowledge and experience shaped the future of aviation, carving a path for the next generation.
Throughout these chapters of his life, his family remained his anchor. Moving to Oahu, Hawaii, he infused their lives with warmth and wisdom before eventually retiring in Fresno, California, in 1986. The echoes of his earlier endeavors resonated in the laughter of his grandchildren, who would gather around to hear the tales of how their grandfather, Buzz, once ruled the skies.
As he looked back on his life—filled with daring missions, cinematic escapades, and a legacy forged in the heart of battle—Buzz knew that flying was more than a passion; it was his calling. To him, every takeoff and landing was not just a journey through the air but a testament to an adventurous spirit that thrived on bravery, determination, and love for the skies. In the annals of history and in the hearts of those he inspired, Buzz soared eternally, a true hero of the air.
March 21, 2025, Event Schedule at the Redding OPC
1330 Centurion Arrival.
1400 Honor Guard.
1401 Pledge of Allegiance.
1403 National Anthem.
1405 Post Colors.
1410 Flyover-Veteran goes to window.
1415 Introduce Veteran.
1420 Quilt of Valor Presentation
1430 Veteran Speaks.
1435 Refreshments.
1530 Adjourn & Reconfigure Lobby.