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 Captain (Infantry) Charles L. Watson (ASN: 0-2017153), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Commanding Officer of Headquarters Company, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 18 May 1951 in the vicinity of Kunmul-gol, Korea. On that date, a. strong enemy force penetrated friendly units and attacked the rear command post of the battalion. Captain Watson, utterly disregarding his own safety, left his command post and organized his troops in a perimeter defense, constantly moving from one position to another, encouraging the men and directing their fire, while under heavy fire from enemy small arms, automatic weapons, and mortars. Several hours later, when it became increasingly apparent that to remain in the area would mean annihilation, Captain Watson gave orders to charge the enemy. His resolute actions were credited with saving numerous lives, while inflicting a maximum number of casualties on the enemy. The gallantry in action and outstanding leadership demonstrated by Captain Watson on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Charles L. Watson (ASN: 0-2017153), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Commanding Officer of Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry division, in action against the enemy on 12 February 1951, in the vicinity of Hoengsong, Korea. On that date, the enemy had established a series of roadblocks in an attempt to trap and destroy the motorized column of two friendly battalions withdrawing to the south. Captain Watson’s unit was to secure the withdrawal of a battalion of artillery along the road. When intense enemy mortar and automatic weapons fire separated Captain Watson from his organization, he immediately organized a group of stragglers and, in the face of withering fire, led them in repeated assaults on hostile machine gun emplacements, thus drawing the enemy fire away from the vehicular column. When he had succeeded in fighting his way past the roadblocks, Captain Watson returned to the area of heaviest fire in order to aid others in their escape. The gallant conduct and aggressive leadership displayed by Captain Watson reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.