The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade Earl D. Watson (ASN: 36614675), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as a Medical Aidman with the Medical Detachment, 18th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized), 40th Infantry Division, on 16 December 1944, in Belgium. Technician Fifth Grade Watson voluntarily crossed more than three hundred yards of fire-swept terrain to reach a severely wounded soldier. Despite the presence of enemy riflemen nearby, Technician Fifth Grade Watson administered immediate first aid. Observing the wounded man’s condition to be critical, he signaled for a vehicle and directed his evacuation to an aid station. On two other occasions, Technician Fifth Grade Watson again displayed courage and bravery by advancing through devastating artillery and small arms fire to render medical care to other wounded soldiers.