GENERAL ORDERS - NUMBER 348 17 Aug 1953

 

    AWARD OF THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL - By direction of the President, under the provisions of Executive Order 9419, 4 February 1944 (Sec II, WD Bul 3, 1944), and pursuant to authority in AR 600-45, the Bronze Star Medal with Letter "V" device for heroic achievement in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States is awarded to the following named enlisted men:

Private WILLIE WATTS, RA15477454, Infantry, Company "K", 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. During the early morning hours of 6 June 1953, Company "K" commenced to attack enemy held Hill "250" in the vicinity of Onu-Chon, Korea. Private WATTS was the point man for the assault platoon. Effectively leading the unit to the attack position, his movements enabled the unit to achieve the element of surprise. In the ensuing action, the assault force came under fire from an enemy bunker. When the advance was momentarily halted, Private WATTS immediately took the initiative and returned the enemy fire. Though continually exposed to the enemy automatic weapons, he continued his fire which was soon taken up by his comrades. He efectively reduced the enemy fire, thereby allowing the squad once more to move out on the assault. Shortly therafter Private WATTS was seriously wounded by enemy mortar fire, rendering him incapable of continuing the assault on enemy positions. Private WATTS' outstanding heroism and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the Federal Service from Ohio.

 Source: Record Group 338: General Orders 3rd Infantry Division, Boxes 129 to 131 - National Archives and Records Administration, College Park, Maryland.