Major Father Charles Joseph Watters, A Soldier's Story
.png "Major Father Charles Joseph Watters – Medal of Honor Chaplain, Vietnam War")
Major Father Charles Joseph Watters, A Soldier's Story
Charles Joseph Watters was born on January 17, 1927, in Jersey City. He attended Seton Hall Preparatory School and later Seton Hall University, before entering Immaculate Conception Seminary at Darlington. In 1953, he was ordained as a Roman Catholic priest.
Father Watters was known for his intellect, discipline, and quiet resolve. An avid private pilot, he also possessed a strong sense of civic responsibility and believed that ministry extended beyond parish walls. In 1962, he enlisted as a chaplain with the New Jersey Air National Guard. As the United States’ involvement in Southeast Asia deepened, he chose to move into full-time service, transitioning to active duty with the United States Army in 1964.
In 1966, Major Watters deployed to Vietnam as a chaplain with the 173rd Airborne Brigade. He quickly distinguished himself by insisting on accompanying soldiers into the field rather than remaining behind operational lines. During Operation Junction City—the largest U.S. airborne operation of the Vietnam War—he earned the Bronze Star for Valor for repeatedly exposing himself to enemy fire to aid the wounded. Notably, Operation Junction City remains the only large-scale combat parachute assault of the conflict.
Rather than return home after completing his tour, Father Watters voluntarily extended his service in 1967, determined to remain with the men he served.
On November 19, 1967, during intense combat at the Battle of Hill 875, Major Watters accompanied elements of the 503rd Infantry Regiment. As the unit sustained heavy casualties under relentless enemy fire, he repeatedly moved through exposed terrain to render medical aid, carry wounded soldiers to safety, and administer last rites. Though repeatedly urged to take cover, he refused to leave the field.
While performing the Last Rites for a wounded soldier, Major Father Charles Joseph Watters was killed when an aerial bomb exploded nearby. He died as he had lived, present with those entrusted to his care.
For his extraordinary courage, selflessness, and devotion to duty, Father Watters was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, becoming the first U.S. Army chaplain to receive the nation’s highest military decoration.
Major Father Charles Joseph Watters is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
His legacy endures as a testament to service without weapon or rank privilege, defined instead by compassion, faith, and the refusal to abandon others in their darkest hours.
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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.
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