The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant First Class Royce J. Watts (ASN: ER-15238001), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 2d Engineer Combat Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 27 July 1951 in the vicinity of Tokkol, Korea. On this date Sergeant Watts was with his platoon assisting in the supervision of road and bridge construction. This work site was under direct enemy observation and accurate hostile fire was directed on it in order to neutralize its construction. Despite the intense enemy fire, Sergeant Watts would not obtain cover until all of his men were in positions of safety. During this encounter, an enemy shell landed near Sergeant Watts, and he was lifted by the concussion. Undaunted, he picked himself up and again checked the positions of his men, before seeking cover. His fearless courage instilled courage and confidence in his men to complete their mission. The gallantry in action and devotion to duty and comrades displayed by Sergeant Watts on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.