Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Coast Artillery Corps)

    Batallion:

    *** Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion

    Division:

    Coast Artillery

    Action Date:

    November 12, 1942

    Headquarters, SEVENTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 24 (September 11, 1943)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Coast Artillery Corps) John Ward Watson (ASN: 0-471692), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion, in action against enemy forces in French Morocco, North Africa, on 12 November 1942. Second Lieutenant Watson lost his life while rescuing wounded men from the burning army transport “Joseph Hewes” after it was torpedoed and sunk in Rabat Harbor, during the invasion of North Africa. Second Lieutenant Watson’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.