Private Wilson D. Watson
U.S. Marine Corps, Company G, 2d Battalion, 9th Marines, 3d Marine Division

Background
Wilson Douglas Watson was born February 16, 1922 in Tuscumbia, Alabama.

Medal of Honor
For his actions on February 26-27, 1945 he earned the Medal of Honor. On October 5, 1945 he was bestowed the Medal of Honor by U.S. President Harry S. Truman at the White House.

Medal of Honor (February 26–27, 1945) "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as Automatic Rifleman serving with the Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, Third Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 26 and 27 February 1945. With his squad abruptly halted by intense fire from enemy fortifications in the high rocky ridges and crags commanding the line of advance, Private Watson boldly rushed one pillbox and fired into the embrasure with his weapon, keeping the enemy pinned down single-handedly until he was in a position to hurl in a grenade and then running to the rear of the emplacement to destroy the retreating Japanese and enable his platoon to take its objective. Again pinned down at the foot of a small hill, he dauntlessly scaled the jagged incline under fierce mortar and machine-gun barrages and with his assistant automatic rifleman charged the crest of the hill, firing from his hip. Fighting furiously against Japanese troops attacking with grenades and knee-mortars from the reverse slope, he stood fearlessly erect in his exposed position to cover the hostile entrenchments and held the hill under savage fire for fifteen minutes, killing sixty Japanese before his ammunition was exhausted and his platoon was able to join him. His courageous initiative and valiant fighting spirit against devastating odds were directly responsible for the continued advance of his platoon and his inspiring leadership throughout this bitterly fought action reflects the highest credit upon Private Watson and the United States Naval Service."

Memorials
Watson died December 19, 1994 at age 72. He is buried at Russell Cemetery in Ozone, AR.

References
Congressional Medal of Honor Society - Wilson Douglas Watson (MOH citation)
FindAGrave - Wilson Douglas Watson (photo, grave photo)

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