Sgt. Maj. Paul T. Davis was born in Laurens, S.C., in 1971. He enlisted into the Marine Corps in May 1991. He completed recruit training at Parris Island, S.C., in August 1991 and was assigned the military occupational specialty of infantryman.
After completing MOS training, Davis attended Marine Security Force School and, upon completion, was assigned to Marine Corps Security Force Company, Rota, Spain.
In 1993, Davis was reassigned to 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines. During this time, he deployed with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Joint Task Force 160 participating in numerous operations including Restore Hope, Provide Promise, Deny Flight, and Sea Signal. He was meritoriously promoted to sergeant in January 1996.
In March 1996, Davis was assigned to Marine Barracks Washington, D.C. While there, he served as platoon guide and platoon sergeant for Bravo Company. In October 1997, he was reassigned to Marine Security Company, Camp David, Presidential Retreat, for duties as platoon sergeant, guard chief, and liaison to the United States Secret Service. He was promoted to staff sergeant in November 2000.
In January 2001, Davis was transferred to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island where he attended Drill Instructor School. Upon completion, he was assigned to Kilo Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, and served as a drill instructor, senior drill instructor, non-commissioned officer in charge of recruit separations, and series gunnery sergeant. He was promoted to gunnery sergeant in March 2004.
In April 2004, Davis was assigned to Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, as the company gunnery sergeant. In October 2004, he deployed as an individual augment to Iraq and was assigned as protective security detail chief of Multi-National Forces Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In May 2005, he was reassigned to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, as the company gunnery sergeant and deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom participating in Operation Mountain Lion.
In November 2006, Davis transferred to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. He was assigned to Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, and served as a series gunnery sergeant until promoted to first sergeant in January 2007 and reassigned to Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, as the company first sergeant. In August 2008, he was reassigned to Headquarters & Service Battalion, where he served as the company first sergeant to Headquarters Company.
In November 2009, Davis was assigned to Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, where he was assigned as the company first sergeant. During this time, he completed two combat deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Nawa and Garmser Afghanistan.
In March 2012, Sgt. Maj. Davis was promoted to his current rank and assumed the duties as the sergeant major of 1st Battalion, 12th Marines.
In July 2013, he transferred to Marine Wing Support Squadron-273, and in April 2014, he was reassigned to Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron-31. In May 2015, he assumed duties as the Marine Aircraft Group-31 sergeant major.
In July 2016, Davis assumed duties as sergeant major of Recruit Training Regiment, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, where he currently serves.
Sgt. Maj. Davis’ personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with two gold stars, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with three gold stars, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with one gold star, Combat Action ribbon, and Presidential Service Badge.