The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Howard V. Watts, Jr. (ASN: 0-1290857), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Service Company, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at ***** *****, French Morocco, on 8 November 1942. First Lieutenant Watts with a party of seven men, left his transport U.S.S. ****** in a Higgins Boat at 0130 and was taken along the hostile cost at **** **** in search of identifying landscape features which marked the proposed landing of the 1st Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment. Eluding enemy craft at the mouth of the river, the party made its way south along the coast about a mile off shore. When opposite the proposed beach, First Lieutenant Watts and his party, armed with only two hand grenades and a trench knife each, reconnoitered inland and ascertained the location of their landing. Then returning to the beach they set up the infra red lights and blue flashlights, which constituted the beach marking equipment and provided the guides which accounted for a successful Battalion landing at 0500. By his display of calm courage, determination, and leadership, First Lieutenant Watts spurred his men on the successful completion of their vital mission and exhibited a devotion to duty which reflects great credit on both himself and the military service.