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 Captain (Infantry) George D. Watson (ASN: 0-453164)), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 132d Infantry Regiment, 23d Infantry Division (Americal), in action against enemy forces at Guadalcanal, in the Solomon Islands, from 19 to 27 December 1942. Captain Watson volunteered to accompany a patrol consisting of one other officer and four native scouts on a reconnaissance mission over a mountain range. This patrol succeeded in locating trails leading out from a native village. These were scouted to select the best route over the mountains. While en route the patrol passed through and in the rear of the enemy lines where the position of some thousand enemy troops was located. This area could not be reached by artillery or naval gun fire and was concealed from air observation and the position would not have been located had it not been for the efforts of the patrol. This and other valuable information obtained by the patrol, after traveling a distance of over ninety miles, was used later and aided in the success of operations in that area. Captain Watson’s 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 and the United States Army.