Navy Federal Credit Union

George Watson was the first Black Soldier of World War II to receive the DSC. When Medals of Honor were presented to 7 Black-American Soldiers for WWII service in 1997, Private Watson’s was the only award for service in the Pacific. Since he has no known next of kin, his Medal of Honor resides in the U.S. Army Quartermaster Museum in Fort Lee, VA.

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private

    Regiment:

    29th Quartermaster Regiment

    Action Date:

    March 8, 1943

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Private George Watson (ASN: 34229603), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action on 8 March 1943, while serving with 29th Quartermaster Regiment, in action at Porloch Harbor, New Guinea. Private Watson was on board a ship which was attacked and hit by enemy bombers. When the ship was abandoned, Private Watson, instead of seeking to save himself, remained in the water assisting several soldiers who could not swim to reach the safety of the raft. This heroic action, which subsequently cost him his life, resulted in the saving of several of his comrades. Weakened by his exertions, he was dragged down by the suction of the sinking ship and was drowned. Private Watson’s extraordinarily valorous actions, daring leadership, and self-sacrificing devotion to his fellow-man exemplify the finest traditions of military service.