| Travis E. Watkins | |
|---|---|
Medal of Honor recipient Travis Watkins |
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| Born | September 5, 1920 Waldo, Arkansas |
| Died | September 3, 1950 Near Yongsan, Korea |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1939 - 1950 |
| Rank | Master Sergeant |
| Unit | Company H, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division |
| Battles/wars | Korean War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor Bronze Star Purple Heart |
Travis E. Watkins (September 5, 1920-September 3, 1950) was a soldier in the United States Army during the Korean War. He posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his actions on August 31, September 1, September 2, and September 3, 1950.
Watkins joined the Army from Texas in June 1939.[1] He served in the Pacific Theater during World War II, and also received a Bronze Star for actions during the Guadalcanal Campaign.[2]
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Rank and organization: Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company H, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division
Place and date: Near Yongsan, Korea, August 31, through September 3, 1950
Entered service at: Texas. Birth: Waldo, Arkansas
G.O. No.: 9, February 16, 1951
Citation:
M/Sgt. Watkins distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. When an overwhelming enemy force broke through and isolated 30 men of his unit, he took command, established a perimeter defense and directed action which repelled continuous, fanatical enemy assaults. With his group completely surrounded and cut off, he moved from foxhole to foxhole exposing himself to enemy fire, giving instructions and offering encouragement to his men. Later when the need for ammunition and grenades became critical he shot 2 enemy soldiers 50 yards outside the perimeter and went out alone for their ammunition and weapons. As he picked up their weapons he was attacked by 3 others and wounded. Returning their fire he killed all 3 and gathering up the weapons of the 5 enemy dead returned to his amazed comrades. During a later assault, 6 enemy soldiers gained a defiladed spot and began to throw grenades into the perimeter making it untenable. Realizing the desperate situation and disregarding his wound he rose from his foxhole to engage them with rifle fire. Although immediately hit by a burst from an enemy machine gun he continued to fire until he had killed the grenade throwers. With this threat eliminated he collapsed and despite being paralyzed from the waist down, encouraged his men to hold on. He refused all food, saving it for his comrades, and when it became apparent that help would not arrive in time to hold the position ordered his men to escape to friendly lines. Refusing evacuation as his hopeless condition would burden his comrades, he remained in his position and cheerfully wished them luck. Through his aggressive leadership and intrepid actions, this small force destroyed nearly 500 of the enemy before abandoning their position. M/Sgt. Watkins' sustained personal bravery and noble self-sacrifice reflect the highest glory upon himself and is in keeping with the esteemed traditions of the U.S. Army.[3]