Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Master Sergeant

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    5th Regimental Combat Team

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    Korean War

    Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 72 (January 17, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Master Sergeant Jack G. Watkins (ASN: RA-18243513), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 5th Regimental Combat Team, 24th Infantry Division, in action near Kunu-ri, Korea, on 3 November 1950. During an attack on enemy high ground positions, the platoon on his flank was pinned down by intense machine gun and automatic weapons fire. Seeing that the entire attack was being disorganized by this fire, he left his position of relative safety and made his way, through a hail of withering fire, in an attempt to rally the beleaguered troops. Taking command of one of the squads, he led it, under heavy fire, in a flanking movement in an attempt to eliminate the source of the enemy’s fire. While proceeding up a small draw the squad was ambushed by a large enemy force and in the ensuing fire fight, Sergeant Watkins was killed. His courageous actions, unhesitant devotion to duty and exemplary leadership reflect the greatest credit on himself and the United States Infantry.