George Watson (Medal of Honor)

George Watson (1915 – 1945) was a United States Army Private who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his actions during World War II.

Born in Laurel, Mississippi, Watson enlisted in the Army from his hometown in 1942. He served with the 2nd Battalion, 29th Quartermaster Regiment, 93rd Infantry Division.

On March 8, 1945, near Porloch, New Guinea, after the ship on which he was traveling was struck by enemy fire, Watson remained in the water and assisted soldiers who could not swim to reach life rafts. Disregarding his own safety, he repeatedly returned to the sinking ship to help others. Exhausted, Watson was eventually pulled under the water and drowned. His selfless actions are credited with saving the lives of numerous fellow soldiers.

Initially recommended for the Distinguished Service Cross, his award was upgraded to the Medal of Honor as part of a 1997 review of awards given to African Americans during World War II to address possible racial bias. The Medal of Honor was presented to his family on January 13, 1997, by President Bill Clinton.