"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty as automatic rifleman serving with the
Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, Third Marine Division, during action
against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 26 and 27
February 1945. With his squad abruptly halted by intense fire from
enemy fortifications in the high rocky ridges and crags commanding the
line of advance, Private Watson boldly rushed one pillbox
and fired into the embrasure with his weapon, keeping the enemy pinned
down single-handedly until he was in a position to hurl in a grenade
and then running to the rear of the emplacement to destroy the
retreating Japanese and enable his platoon to take its objective. Again
pinned down at the foot of a small hill, he dauntlessly scaled the
jagged incline under fierce mortar and machine-gun
barrages and with his assistant automatic rifleman charged the crest of
the hill, firing from his hip. Fighting furiously against Japanese
troops attacking with grenades and knee-mortars from the reverse slope,
he stood fearlessly erect in his exposed position to cover the hostile
entrenchments and held the hill under savage fire for fifteen minutes,
killing sixty Japanese before his ammunition was exhausted and his
platoon was able to join him. His courageous initiative and valiant
fighting spirit against devastating odds were directly responsible for
the continued advance of his platoon and his inspiring leadership
throughout this bitterly fought action reflects the highest credit upon
Private Watson and the United States Naval Service."
From Pvt. Watson's Medal of Honor citation, awarded on October 5, 1945.
May you be at peace,
Brian & Mel
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