John M. Watson, World War II veteran, recognized as Tuskegee Airman in surprise ceremony

By Douglas Ernst - The Washington Times - Thursday, May 21, 2015

A World War II veteran from West Virginia was recognized as one of the Tuskegee Airmen in a surprise ceremony on Wednesday.

Sgt. John M. Watson, 96, was an aircraft crew chief for the famous group but didn’t quite know how to go about obtaining official recognition for his role. Sgt. Watson was able to cut through the red tape with help from Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia.

“He knew he was there. He knew he did his duty and did it well and had succeeded, but he had never been truly honored as a Tuskegee Airman,” the senator said, Fox News reported Wednesday.

Sgt. Watson also received the Congressional Gold Medal during the Capitol Hill ceremony.

“I appreciate everyone that had the minute-ist interest in it,” the veteran added.

There are fewer than 200 Tuskegee Airmen still alive, Fox reported.

• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.