Wilson Douglas Watson-Ozone, AR
Posted by: 
Don.Morfe
N 35° 38.790 W 093° 25.218
15S E 461950 N 3944822
World War II Medal of Honor Recipient for action at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on February 26-27, 1945. He is buried in Russell Cemetery, Ozone, AR.
Waymark Code: WMXBGF
Location: Arkansas, United States
Date Posted: 12/22/2017
Views: 2
He was born on February 16, 1922 in Tuscumbia, AL and died on December 19, 1994 in Russellville, AR. His Medal of Honor information and citation is: WATSON, WILSON DOUGLAS
• Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, 2d Battalion, 9th Marines, 3d Marine Division
• Place and date: Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 26 and 27 February 1945
• Entered service at: Arkansas
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as automatic rifleman serving with the 2d Battalion, 9th Marines, 3d Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 26 and 27 February 1945. With his squad abruptly halted by intense fire from enemy fortifications in the high rocky ridges and crags commanding the line of advance, Pvt. Watson boldly rushed 1 pillbox and fired into the embrasure with his weapon, keeping the enemy pinned down single-handedly until he was in a position to hurl in a grenade, and then running to the rear of the emplacement to destroy the retreating Japanese and enable his platoon to take its objective. Again pinned down at the foot of a small hill, he dauntlessly scaled the jagged incline under fierce mortar and machinegun barrages and, with his assistant BAR man, charged the crest of the hill, firing from his hip. Fighting furiously against Japanese troops attacking with grenades and knee mortars from the reverse slope, he stood fearlessly erect in his exposed position to cover the hostile entrenchments and held the hill under savage fire for 15 minutes, killing 60 Japanese before his ammunition was exhausted and his platoon was able to join him. His courageous initiative and valiant fighting spirit against devastating odds were directly responsible for the continued advance of his platoon, and his inspiring leadership throughout this bitterly fought action reflects the highest credit upon Pvt. Watson and the U.S. Naval Service.
Armed Service: Marines
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