World War II Honoree

Forrest Woodrow Watkins

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Tioga County, Pennsylvania

Honored By

Edward K. Watkins

Relationship

Son

HE SERVED WITH THE PENNSYLVANIA NATIONAL GUARD WHEN THE UNITED STATES ENTERED WWII. HE EARNED WINGS AND THE RANK OF 2ND LIEUTENANT ON APRIL 22, 1943 AT BROOKS FIELD, TEXAS. HE BEGAN SERVING IN THE SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA IN LATE 1943, AS A B-25 CO-PILOT. DUE TO ENEMY FIRE ON JULY 13, 1944 THE CREW WAS IN A D RAFT FOR ABOUT 24 HOURS. HE RECEIVED A PURPLE HEART FOR THE EXPOSURE. HE SERVED STATESIDE AS AN INSTRUCTOR FOR MOST OF 1945.