The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Ralph James Watson, United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as a Pilot of a Fighter Airplane of the 5th Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Group, Fifteenth Air Force in aerial operations in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations in 1944.

The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Watson, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

Ralph Watson’s other valor awards include four Distinguished Flying Crosses for action in WWII. He qualified as an ACE, shooting down five enemy aircraft in aerial combat. He retired as a Full Colonel.

Ralph Watson was born in Otway, Ohio; entered service at Wright-Patterson Field in Dayton. He lived in Centerburg Ohio for years and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.