The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Michael Odell Watson (MCSN: 2214943), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company G, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 24 March 1968, during Operation WORTH, Corporal Watson’s unit was ambushed by a concealed enemy force utilizing automatic weapons and command detonated mines. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, he disregarded the intense hostile fire around him and unhesitatingly led his squad in an assault on the enemy’s flank. Although he was immediately wounded in the hand, he courageously continued to lead the assault until he was seriously wounded in the leg, thigh and stomach. Unable to move and ignoring his painful injuries, he continued to shout instructions and words of encouragement to his men. As the unit continued the attack, an enemy grenade landed between Corporal Watson’s legs. Reacting instantly, he grabbed the grenade and hurled it at an enemy position where it exploded, undoubtedly saving the men near him from injury or death. By his resolute courage, bold leadership and selfless devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Corporal Watson was instrumental in the accomplishment of his unit’s mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.