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Medal of Honor Recipient

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March 3, 1863 has awarded in the name of the Congress the Medal of Honor posthumously to:

    PRIVATE GEORGE WATSONWATSON
    UNITED STATES ARMY

for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty near Porloch Harbor, New Guinea, 8 March 1943.

Rank and organization: 2nd Battalion, 29th Quartermaster Regiment

Place and date: Porloch Harbor, New Guinea, 8 March 1943.

Entered service at:-----

Born: Birmingham, Alabamba

Citation: For extraordinary heroism in action on 8 March 1943. Private Watson was on board a ship which was attacked and hit by enemy bombers. When the ship was abandoned, Private Watson, instead of seeking to save himself, remained in the water assisting several soldiers who could not swim to reach the safety of the raft. This heroic action, which subsequently cost him his life, resulted in the saving of several of his comrades. Weakened by his exertions, he was dragged down by the suction of the sinking ship and was drowned. Private Watson's extraordinarily valorous actions, daring leadership, and self-sacrificing devotion to his fellow-man exemplify the finest traditions of military service.

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