Private George Watson, A Soldier's Story
Private George Watson, A Soldier's Story
Private George Watson was born around 1915 and grew up in Birmingham, Alabama. Raised in difficult circumstances as an orphan, he entered adulthood with little fanfare and no promise of recognition, only a willingness to serve.
On September 1, 1942, during World War II, Watson enlisted in the United States Army. He was assigned to the 29th Quartermaster Regiment, a unit responsible for vital logistical operations in the Pacific Theater. Quartermaster soldiers did not typically make headlines, but they were essential to keeping entire campaigns functioning.
On March 8, 1943, while en route to New Guinea aboard the transport ship Jacob, the vessel came under attack by Japanese enemy bombers. The ship was hit and began to sink. Chaos followed.
Amid exploding ordnance and rising panic, Private George Watson did not rush to save himself. A strong swimmer, he moved deliberately through the water, assisting other soldiers who could not swim to reach safety. Again and again, he guided exhausted or frightened men toward life rafts.
He could have secured his own survival. Instead, he chose to save others first.
As the Jacob slipped beneath the surface, the powerful suction created by the sinking vessel pulled Watson underwater before he could climb into a raft. His body was never recovered.
For his selfless courage and complete disregard for his own safety, Private George Watson was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, becoming the first African American soldier to receive the nation’s highest military decoration in World War II.
Because he had no immediate family, the United States Army retained his medals. Today, they are displayed at the U.S. Army Quartermaster Museum at Fort Lee, Virginia, where his story continues to be told.
Private George Watson did not fall in combat with a weapon in hand. He did something quieter. He chose others over himself. And that choice echoes far beyond March 8, 1943.
_____________________________________________________________________________
About the Author
a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller traveling through life
She shares her journeys at Take the Back Roads, explores new reads at Rite of Fancy, and highlights U.S. military biographies at Everyday Patriot.
You can also browse her online photography gallery at shop.takethebackroads.com.
✨ #TakeTheBackRoads
Enjoyed this post? Support the adventure by visiting my sponsors, shopping the gallery, or buying me a cup of coffee!
