Glenwood F. Watson Jr.
Glenwood F. Watson Jr.
Private First Class Glenwood F. Watson Jr. was born in Camden, New Jersey on April 14, 1931, to Glenwood F. and Julia Watson. His father was a veteran of World War I. The Watsons lived in South Camden throughout the 1930s and into the 1940s. The 1947 City Directory shows the family at 812 Federal Street. Glenwood Watson Jr., known to friends as “Don,” boxed in the Police Athletic League program in the 147-pound weight class. He attended Camden Catholic High School prior to enlisting in the United States Marine Corps on February 19, 1952. He went overseas on February 20, 1953 to serve with the 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division in Korea.
Private First Class Watson was shot in the neck during combat with Communist forces on March 31, 1953. Evacuated to the hospital ship USS Haven, he died the following day, April 1, 1953, as a result of his wounds. He was 21 years old.
Private First Class Watson was brought home to New Jersey and buried at Beverly National Cemetery — Section O, Site 139. His mother and father, who died in 1957 and 1960 respectively, are buried next to him.
Private First Class Watson was awarded the Purple Heart.
Beverly National Cemetery, Beverly, New Jersey
Pfc. G.F. Watson Jr. Dies of Wound, Family Notified
Camden Courier-Post —
Federal St. Resident Fought Under PAL Boxing Auspices
Pfc. Glenwood F. Watson Jr., USMC, of 812 Federal st., has died of a wound received during action in Korea, the Department of Defense disclosed today.
Watson, who would have observed his 22nd birthday anniversary next Tuesday, was shot in the neck March 31 and died the following day, after he was evacuated to the Hospital Ship Haven.
The young marine, the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Glenwood F. Watson Sr., was an amateur boxer under auspices of the Camden Police Athletic League. He fought in the 147-pound class.
His mother said he enlisted Feb. 19, 1952, and was sent to Korea last Feb. 20. Watson, who attended Camden Catholic High School, was a machine gunner with the Seventh Regiment of the First Marine Division.
Requiem Mass Monday For Pfc. G. F. Watson
Camden Courier-Post —
A solemn high Mass of requiem will be offered Monday at 9 a. m. in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception for Pfc. Glenwood F. Watson Jr., who was fatally wounded in the Korean fighting last March.
Pvt. Watson was the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Glenwood F. Watson of 812 Federal st.
Burial will follow the funeral Mass in the National Cemetery in Beverly. The body is lying in state today and Sunday at the residence.