World War II Honoree

Samuel Ashton Watkins, Jr.

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Richmond, Virginia

Honored By

Nancy Watkins Dimitrios

Relationship

Daughter

Enlisted within days of the attack on Pearl Harbor. As a 2nd Lieutenant, from 9/2/42 to 1/11/43, he served as Platoon Commander, Anti-Tank Company, 131st Infantry. From 1/11/43 to 4/5/43, he was Platoon Commander, Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion. On 6/8/43, he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant. For his service in the "Rhineland Campaign" in November, 1944, he received an EAME theater ribbon and two Bronze Stars for exemplary conduct in ground combat against an armed enemy, and a Silver Star for combat valor during the "Northern France Campaign" in January of 1945.