George Watson

Saving fellow soldiers as their bombed troopship sank at sea

George Watson was born on March 24, 1914, in Birmingham, Alabama. A U.S. Army private in the 2nd Battalion, 29th Quartermaster Regiment, he served in the Pacific during World War II. He entered the Army on September 1, 1942, trained at Camp Lee, Virginia, and worked as a bath and laundry specialist. He reached Brisbane, Australia, in January 1943 before joining the transport Jacob.

On March 8, 1943, near Porlock Harbor, New Guinea, enemy bombers struck the troopship Jacob. After the order to abandon ship, Watson remained in the water to help soldiers who could not swim reach a life raft. Repeated rescue efforts exhausted him. He drowned when the sinking ship drew him beneath the surface.

Watson received a posthumous Medal of Honor in 1997. President Bill Clinton presented it at the White House on January 13, with the Sergeant Major of the Army accepting because no living relatives had been identified. His body was never recovered. He is commemorated on the Walls of the Missing at Manila American Cemetery, and the Navy named USNS Watson in his honour. His Medal of Honor is displayed at the U.S. Army Quartermaster Museum.

Medal of Honor Citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty: Private George Watson distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism on 8 March 1943, while serving in the Pacific Command with the 2d Battalion, 29th Quartermaster Regiment, near Porlock Harbor, New Guinea. Private Watson was onboard a troop ship, the Dutch Steamer (United States Army Transport) Jacob, when it was attacked and hit by enemy bombers. Before it sank, the ship was abandoned.

Private Watson, instead of seeking to save himself, remained in deep waters long enough to assist several soldiers who could not swim to reach the safety of a life raft. This heroic action, which subsequently cost him his life, resulted in saving the lives of several of his comrades. Weakened by continuous physical exertion and overcome by muscular fatigue, Private Watson drowned when the suction of the sinking ship dragged him beneath the surface of the swirling waters.

His demonstrated bravery and unselfish act set in motion a train of conpelling events that finally led to American victory in the Pacific. Private Watson's extraordinary valorous actions, his daring and inspiring leadership, and his self-sacrificing devotion to his fellow man exemplify the finest traditions of military service.