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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Corporal John E. Watson (MCSN: 348449), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, on 17 June 1944. When his battalion was attacked by hostile tanks during hours of darkness, Private First Class Watson unhesitatingly left the safety of his foxhole and voluntarily led an assault on one of the Japanese tanks. Throwing two incendiary grenades, he stopped the tank and then killed its occupants as they attempted to escape. Continuing to render valiant service, he braved intense machine-gun fire from another enemy tank to carry a wounded comrade to safety. Later, he again exposed himself to intense enemy machine-gun and sniper fire to cross open terrain and bring back to the comparative safety of our lines his mortally wounded Company Commander. By his initiative, courage and zealous devotion to duty throughout, he contributed materially to the success of our forces and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    6th Marines

    Division:

    2d Marine Division

    Action Date:

    November 22, 1943
    Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 0647

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class John E. Watson (MCSN: 348449), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands on 22 November 1943. Unhesitatingly volunteering for an extremely dangerous task during an advance by his company against the fanatic Japanese, Private First Class Watson repeatedly exposed himself to the enemy’s shattering machine gun and rifle fire to direct the first of medium tanks supporting the attack, thereby contributing materially to the success of the operation and to the eventual capture of this vital hostile strong hold by our forces. His daring initiative, dauntless perseverance and cool courage throughout the fierce hostilities reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Watson and the United States Naval Service.