The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Robert C. Watson (ASN: 0-2033865), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Chinju, Korea, on 2 August 1950. Second Lieutenant Watson’s company was under fanatic attack by a numerically superior enemy force. When it was apparent that the company would have to withdraw Second Lieutenant Watson advanced, with four of his men, in an attempt to cover the withdrawal. He quickly observed that unless an enemy machine gun was destroyed the entire movement would be threatened. With only scant covering fire afforded by his four riflemen and with utter disregard for his own safety he exposing himself to a hail of withering fire and dashed forward to a position from which he hurled a grenade, killing or wounding the entire machine gun crew. As a result of his fearless action the company moved to a new position from which heavy casualties were inflicted on the enemy. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Second Lieutenant Watson, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Robert C. Watson (ASN: 0-2033865), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Kunom-ni, Korea, on 9 February 1951. During an attack on Hill 584 he was constantly at that part of his company line which was in the greatest difficulty encouraging and leading his men. When a particularly well emplaced enemy machine gun held up one of his platoons he scurried up the steep slope and delivered a burst of fire in the gunport of the position, killing the crew of four and enabling his company to resume the advance. As ammunition ran short he gathered all he could find and delivered it personally to his men. When the summit of the hill was reached, the company was subjected to a massive counterattack. However, so inspired had his men become from his display of selfless courage that they fought off the enemy with bayonets and clubbed rifles for almost an hour until ordered to withdraw. By this time, the enemy had enfolded the company flanks and it appeared that the company was lost. However, while the action on top of the hill was in progress, Fist Lieutenant Watson had sent several men to scour the slopes and gather all serviceable enemy automatic weapons and ammunition. It was the tremendous fire of these weapons that enabled the company to blast its way out of the enemy trap and return to battalion lines. First Lieutenant Watson’s courageous actions and exemplary leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army Infantry.