GENERAL ORDERS - NUMBER 449  14 October 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 officer and enlisted men:

Sergeant (then Corporal) WILLIAM E. WATTS, JR., RA14474038, Infantry, Heavy Mortar Company, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On the night of 14 July and during the early morning hours of 15 July 1953, in the vicinity of Kumhwa, Korea, Sergeant WATTS was an observer with a forward observer team on a ridge in front of the main line of resistance. The men lost contact with their firing sections during an enemy offensive that night and the tactical situation was unknown. The radioman was dispatched to locate their unit but returned the next morning, having found no one at the company area. Realizing that they were evidently in enemy held territory, the men bravely began the hazardous journey back to friendly lines. While enroute, they narrowly missed being fired upon by an unfriendly patrol. Soon, they found a number of hand grenades and, arming themselves continued across the contested terrain. The two mile trip was successfully complete largely through the sound judgment and dependable leadership of Sergeant WATTS. Sergeant WATTS' outstanding heroism and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the Federal Service from Florida.

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