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Obituary for GERALD WATSON
Mister Gerald "Jerry" Watson was born May 21, 1937 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania the son of the late Nathan Watson and the late Ethel M. Carmichael Watson of Greensburg and Orangeburg, North Carolina and spent his early life in the south Philadelphia, PA area with his five siblings. He was preceded in death by one sister, Vera Watson and two brothers, Nathaniel Watson and Joseph Watson.
United States Army Sergeant Major (Retired) Watson was a Vietnam War Veteran providing combat service from 30 Mar 1968 to 22 Mar 1969 as infantryman supporting the Military Assistance Command (MACV). He enlisted on 9 Aug 1960 and served 23 years, 4 months and 22 days, with his retirement effective 1 Jan 1984. His duty stations of assignment included Fort Dix, New Jersey; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Heidelberg, Germany; Fort Belvoir, Virginia (twice); and Fort Richardson, Alaska .
His awarded decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (w/ oak leaf cluster), Army Good Conduct Medal (7th award), National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/ 60 device, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon w/ numeral 5, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (1st award), Expert Qualification Badge (Rifle M-16), Expert Qualification Badge (.45 caliber pistol). He rarely discussed his military experiences with his immediate family, but realized the benefits which enlisting in the Army provided when his older brothers enlisted prior to him. He in turn inspired the next generation of Watson military service.
While in the U.S. Army, SGM Watson served as Senior Topographic NCO, Officer of Training Development and Evaluation for the Defense Mapping Agency/School making substantial contributions to the joint command mission of developing and documenting courses, coordination and publication of the Agency Catalog and direction of the School's first classroom evaluation program.
