Memorial

More information

Capt James M. Watkins graduated from Emporia High School and from the law school at William and Mary College. He practiced law in Emporia.

He joined the Regular Army on 14 January 1941.

Capt James Watkins was awarded the Silver Star Medal for his action on 8 December 1944. The citation stated: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress 9 July 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) James M. Watkins (ASN: 0-359346), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action near ****, France on 8 December 1944. Captain Watkins, Commanding Officer, Company F, 320th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, led his unit in an assault crossing of the **** River, up the steep bank of the opposite shore, over enemy trenches, and through wire entanglements to the far crest of the ridges, from which he planned to attack the enemy flank. As forward elements commenced scaling the ridge, a group of the enemy attacked in a half-track vehicle. Realizing the peril to troops still crossing the river should the enemy vehicle reach a position overlooking the river, Captain Watkins and three enlisted men remained in position in a shallow trench. From this position, Captain Watkins directed artillery fire on the vehicle as it moved forward. Under cover of machine gun fire, five German soldiers dismounted and attacked the small group. Captain Watkins killed the enemy leader, an officer, while his men killed the other four Germans. The enemy half-track reached a point but twenty-five yards distant it was demolished by a direct hit from an artillery burst. Captain Watkins continued to adjust their fire throughout the action. His aggressive leadership, intrepid bravery and determination for the successful accomplishment of his mission, are in accord with the military traditions of the United States.

He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross posthumously. The citation stated: Capt (Infantry) James M. Watkins (ASN: 0-359346), United States Army, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 320th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 5 March 1945. Captain Watkins' outstanding leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 35th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.