Cleveland E. Watts

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Cleveland E. Watts (RA14314805), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. Private First Class Watts distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Tongmang’ni, Korea, on 25 April 1951. On that date, Private Watt’s company was occupying defensive positions when it was attacked by a large and determined enemy force. After several frenzied attacks had occurred, Private Watts noticed that one of his platoon’s automatic riflemen had been wounded and was unable to continue delivering effective fire on the enemy. With utter disregard for his personal safety, and despite the withering enemy fire directed at him, he rushed to the aid of the wounded soldier and administered emergency first aid, which saved the man’s life. Realizing that the firepower of the company would be considerably weakened by the lack of the automatic rifle’s fire, Private Watts picked up the weapon and jumped from his covered position to deliver such an extremely effective concentration of fire that the enemy attacks were repulsed. When the automatic rifle’s ammunition was expended, he discarded it and, using his own rifle, continued to deliver deadly and accurate fire on the enemy. Although mortally wounded in this action, he refused to be evacuated, insisting on fighting until the enemy had been completely repelled. His selfless courage and outstanding devotion to duty were a direct contribution to the success of his unit in holding its positions against an overwhelming enemy force.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 630 (August 11, 1951)