The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Luther P. Watson, Jr. (ASN: 0-1177229), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Battery B, 286th Field Artillery Observation Battalion, in action on 11 December 1i944, near Gros Rederiching, France. Lieutenant Watson demonstrated the highest degree of courage and heroic, unselfish devotion to duty. While performing his mission of establishing a forward observation post this officer risked his life again and again to treat and evacuate wounded men, braving intense enemy fire with complete disregard for his own safety. His conspicuous heroism, above and beyond the call of duty, and his inspiring, courageous leadership and supreme devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military service.