RANGERS 2 Watson, Martin Robert

[John Robertson]

• SURNAME

Watson ​

• FORENAME

Martin Robert​

• UNIT

4 Ranger Infantry Company (Airborne) ​

• RANK

Sergeant ​

• NUMBER

11033539​

• AWARD

Silver Star, Bronze Star ​

• PLACE

Korea ​

• ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

resided Fairfield, Connecticut​

born 03.07.1923, Hartford, Connecticut, USA​

father John James Watson (1893-1981)​

mother Anna (nee Manner) Watson (1898-1950)​

3 years high school​

civil occupation semiskilled chauffeurs and drivers, bus, taxi, truck and tractor​

single without dependents upon enlistment​

12.12.1941 entered service Hartford, Connecticut​

1 Ranger Bn (Company E) in WW2 (T5 service no. 11033539)​

POW Cassino, Italy​

POW Korea​

released at end of war ​

died 21.06.1984 (Aged 60) Newington, Connecticut, USA​

Saint Josephs Cemetery, Chester, Connecticut, USA​

1992 inducted Ranger Hall of Fame​

​

U. S. Army Ranger

Sergeant Martin R. Watson is inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame for extraordinary valor and unyielding determination as a United States Army Ranger. Sergeant Watson served with the 1st Ranger Battalion in World War II and fought in the Northern Africa, Sicily and Central Europe campaigns. He was captured by the Germans at Cassino, Italy and remained a prisoner of war for fifteen months. Sergeant Watson attempted escape on one occasion but was recaptured.

He was repatriated following World War II and volunteered for the 4th Ranger Infantry Company (Airborne) during the Korean War. Sergeant Watson and three other Rangers were detected by the enemy while on a mission 65 miles behind Chinese lines. Following a foiled rescue attempt, Sergeant Watson, a downed U.S. Navy pilot, and nineteen South Korean agents evaded capture by the North Koreans for ten days with no food or supplies.

After his capture, the North Koreans repeatedly tortured Sergeant Watson for attempting escape on three separate occasions. Sergeant Watson was the last U.S. serviceman repatriated following the Korean War.

He earned the Silver Star for valorous actions during the Korean War, and the Bronze Star for his resilience and refusal to cooperate with the enemy after repeated torture. Sergeant Watson's iron will and unshakable resolve are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and clearly illustrate that surrender is not a Ranger word.

Source : https://www.moore.army.mil/infantry/artb/RHOF/index.html