A Soldier's Story: Private George Watson

Private George Watson was born about 1915 and grew up in Birmingham, Alabama.  He joined the U.S. Army on September 1, 1942, in response to World War II and was assigned to the 29th Quartermaster Regiment.

While traveling to New Guinea, his transport ship, Jacob, was struck by enemy bombers on March 8, 1943, and began to sink.

A competent swimmer,  Private George Watson assisted other soldiers to life rafts.  The suction from Jacob's submersion, however, pulled him under prior to his entering a life raft.

His body was never recovered.  These actions earned him a Congressional Medal of Honor.

As an orphan, the U.S. Army retained his medals, and they are currently on display at the U.S. Army Quartermaster Museum in Fort Lee, Virginia.

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a.d. elliott is a wanderer, writer, and photographer currently living in Salem, Virginia. 

In addition to the travel writings at www.takethebackroads.com, you can also read her book reviews at www.riteoffancy.com and US military biographies at www.everydaypatriot.com

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