The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Medical Corps James D. Watson (ASN: 0-438873), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, 2d Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, 37th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands. When many casualties were sustained during a tank battle near the Irisan River on 17 April 1945, Captain Watson, an Infantry Battalion Surgeon, immediately went forward and began treating the casualties. While administering blood plasma to one of the patients, Captain Watson was seriously wounded by an exploding 47 millimeter shell, but he continued treating the wounded until he fell to the ground unconscious. Captain Watson’s outstanding courage in continuing to administer first aid even though he was wounded and under heavy fire, was in the highest tradition of the medical service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.