Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    9th Marines

    Division:

    3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

    Action Date:

    July 29, 1967

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Kenneth L. Watters (MCSN: 2245676), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company G, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 29 July 1967 during Operation KINGFISHER, Corporal Watters’ squad was providing rear security for the battalion as it moved along a road in the Demilitarized Zone when it suddenly came under intense enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire and mortar attack, temporarily pinning down the squad and separating it from the rest of the battalion. Immediately observing the North Vietnamese machine gun position that was immobilizing his squad, Corporal Watters completely disregarded his own safety as he unhesitatingly moved through the hostile fire to a position where he accurately directed fire that destroyed the enemy position. Moments later, he observed the smoke of two North Vietnamese mortar tubes approximately 150 meters away which were placing rounds close to his squad’s position. Displaying exceptional composure under fire and outstanding tactical leadership, he deployed his men and directed their fire against the partially concealed hostile position until he succeeded in silencing the enemy fire. When one of his men was mortally wounded, Corporal Watters, undaunted by the danger to his own life, ran through the fire-swept area to the side of the fallen Marine to administer first aid and comfort him. Within minutes he was himself wounded by an enemy grenade. Disregarding his own painful wound and concerned only for the welfare of the wounded men of his squad, he aggressively delivered a heavy volume of covering fire against the enemy until reinforcements arrived, resulting in six North Vietnamese confirmed killed. He then rallied his men and assisted them in carrying the casualties to his company’s night defensive perimeter where he aided in the care of the wounded and encouraged and comforted them throughout the night. Not until he was assured the following morning that all the casualties were cared for did he relinquish command of his squad and allow himself to be medically evacuated. By his inspiring leadership, courageous actions and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Corporal Watters inspired all who observed him, was undoubtedly instrumental in saving his fellow Marines from further injury or possible death, and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.