Medal of Honor recipients (March 1943)

PVT George Watson, 28, USA (1914–1943)

2nd Battalion, 29th Quartermaster Regiment, L&B, SOPAC
Near Porlock Harbor, New Guinea
March 8, 1943
Presented January 13, 1997
Posthumous

watson, george

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (posthumously) to PVT George Watson (ASN: 34229603), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty: Pvt. George Watson distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism on March 8, 1943, while serving in the Pacific Command with the 2nd Battalion, 29th Quartermaster Regiment, near Porlock Harbor, New Guinea.

PVT Watson was onboard a troopship, the Dutch Steamer (United States Army Transport) JACOB, when it was attacked and hit by enemy bombers. Before it sank, the ship was abandoned. PVT Watson, instead of seeking to save himself, remained in deep waters long enough to assist several soldiers who could not swim to reach the safety of a life raft. This heroic action, which subsequently cost him his life, resulted in saving the lives of several of his comrades. Weakened by continuous physical exertion and overcome by muscular fatigue, PVT Watson drowned when the suction of the sinking ship dragged him beneath the surface of the swirling waters. His demonstrated bravery and unselfish act set in motion a train of compelling events that finally led to American victory in the Pacific. PVT Watson’s extraordinary valorous actions, his daring and inspiring leadership, and his self-sacrificing devotion to his fellow man exemplify the finest traditions of military service.

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1LT Jack Warren Mathis, 21, USAAF (1921–1943)

359 BS, 303 BG, 8th Air Force
Over Vegesack, Germany
March 18, 1943
Presented September 21, 1943
Posthumous

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The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (posthumously) to 1LT (Air Corps) Jack Warren Mathis (ASN: 0-727110), United States Army Air Forces, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy over Vegesack, Germany on March 18, 1943.

1LT Mathis, as leading bombardier of his squadron, flying through intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, was just starting his bomb run, upon which the entire squadron depended upon for accurate bombing, when he was hit by the enemy anti-aircraft fire. His right arm was shattered above the elbow, a large wound was torn in his side and abdomen, and he was knocked from his bombsight to the rear of the bombardier’s compartment. Realizing that the success of the mission depended upon him, 1LT Mathis, by sheer determination and willpower, though mortally wounded, dragged himself back to his sights, released his bombs, then died at his post of duty. As the result of this action the airplanes of his bombardment squadron placed their bombs directly upon the assigned target for a perfect attack against the enemy. 1LT Mathis’ undaunted bravery has been a great inspiration to the officers and men of his unit.