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.