[1] Enlisting in the U.S. Army in June 1939,[2] Watkins served in World War II and was awarded the Bronze Star for his actions during the Guadalcanal Campaign.

Near Yeongsan, Korea, on August 31, 1950, he was among a group of 30 soldiers who were cut off and surrounded by a numerically superior North Korean force.

Watkins took command and directed the group's defense, exposing himself to hostile fire in order to lead and encourage his men.

When ammunition became scarce, he crossed the defensive perimeter to collect weapons from the bodies of two North Korean soldiers whom he had killed.

During a later assault, 6 enemy soldiers gained a defiladed spot and began to throw grenades into the perimeter making it untenable.

He refused all food, saving it for his comrades, and when it became apparent that help would not arrive in time to hold the position ordered his men to escape to friendly lines.

Watkins' sustained personal bravery and noble self-sacrifice reflect the highest glory upon himself and is in keeping with the esteemed traditions of the U.S.