The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Staff Sergeant Otis H. Watkins (ASN: 34155692), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Mount Pacawagan, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 29 April 1945. Sergeant Watkins, a squad leader, aggressively led his men in a successful assault against an enemy-held hill position. After brief reorganization of the leading platoon, he and his squad, again leading the attack, advanced under heavy fire upon a group of well-concealed enemy pillboxes and dugouts on a nearby hill. Observing the exact location of the pillboxes which were blocking all approaches to the objective, and ordering covering fire from his automatic riflemen, Sergeant Watkins, Armed with eight grenades, moved forward over open terrain to within five yards of the strongholds. Rising to his feet, although dangerously close to his supporting fire, he hurled several well-aimed grenades, knocked out two pillboxes, and signaling his squad forward, threw his last grenades into the next two positions. Then, leading his squad in the final assault, he eliminated all remnants of resistance from the two remaining pillboxes. By his aggressive fighting spirit, outstanding gallantry, and brilliant leadership, Sergeant Watkins killed six of the enemy and made possible the successful accomplishment of his company’s mission. His extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 37th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.