Lynn A. Westmoreland: “I am proud to speak about a hero, a highly decorated Korean War veteran, Lewis G. Watkins. Staff Sergeant Lewis G.…”

“I am proud to speak about a hero, a highly decorated Korean War veteran, Lewis G. Watkins. Staff Sergeant Lewis G. Watkins was born in Seneca, South Carolina, on June 6, 1925. After graduating from Greenville High School, he joined the Greenville Police Department. Furthering his public service, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1950. After his training in Camp Lejeune and Camp Pendleton, he was sent to serve in Korea. Staff Sergeant Watkins fought valiantly during his only tour of duty. On October 7, 1952, his unit was attempting to take an outpost from the enemy. While leading his men up a hill and fighting off heavy small-arms fire and grenades, he was severely injured. Pushing through the pain, he successfully led his team further up the hill. It was then that he noticed a grenade had landed nearby. Pushing his comrades aside to protect them, he instinctively grabbed the grenade to throw it out of harm's way. Unfortunately, the bomb exploded in his hand and he was mortally wounded. His heroic actions on that hill saved the lives of his fellow soldiers; and it was for this act of bravery and courage he deservedly, albeit posthumously, was awarded the Nation's highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor.”