Brigadier General Bernard M. Watson

January 24, 2025

Brig. Gen. Bernard M. Watson was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1966 through the ROTC program at the Montana State University as an engineer officer.

After three years and two months of active duty service with the U.S. Army in the Republic of South Vietnam and as an instructor pilot at the Army Aviation Center, Fort Stewart, Georgia, Watson transferred to the U.S. Army Reserve for one year.

He joined the Hawaii Army National Guard in December 1970 and served in various unit aviation positions and in February 1974 was assigned as commander, Troop E, 19th Cavalry. In January 1975 he was reassigned to the position of flight operations officer and later was assigned as aerial scout platoon commander in May 1976. He again assumed command of Troop E (Air), 19th Cavalry, on Feb. 1, 1977, a position he held through June 12, 1979. He was then transferred to Headquarters, Command and Control Group A, and served as the S2/3 until assuming command on July 14, 1980. Watson transferred to Headquarters, State Area Command, on Nov. 1, 1984 where he was assigned as G-2. He assumed command of Headquarters, Troop Command, on Feb. 6, 1988 until his transfer to Headquarters, 29th Infantry Brigade (Separate) on Feb. 1, 1991 as brigade commander.

Watson is an honor graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.

His awards and decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (One Oak Leaf Cluster), Air Medal (Numeral 30) with “V” Device, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (Third Oak Leaf Cluster), Republic of V{etnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star and various service medals and ribbons.

Watson is Director of Flight Standards and Training for Hawaiian Airlines, Incorporated.

He and his wife, Susan, have a daughter, Kaiulani, and a son, Kime.

Last updated April 1992

1984
Change of Command 1988
Position Annoucement 1991
Promotion 1992

Lt. Col. Watson

(Picture from the 1984 October- December Pūpūkahi)

Lt. Col. Bernard Watson, HQ STARC, HARNG (-Det I) from Cmdr. to G2 ILO COL
– 1984 October- December Pūpūkahi pp. 6

Army Guard makes major command changes

COMMAND PERFORMANCE-Brig. Gen. John R. D’Araujo. Jr. (left) congratulates Col. Bernard M. Watson (center), new commander, Troop Command and new deputy commander, STARC, Col. Haruo Shigezawa, at change of command ceremonies held at Army Aviation Support Facility, No. 1, Wheeler AFB, Feb. 21.

(Picture from the 1988 January – March Pūpūkahi)

The Hawaii Army National Guard has a new look this year. The major commands have changed hands starting in January 1988.

As of February 6, 1988, the following changes were made:

Col. Bernard N. Watson, G-2 (Intelligence) to Commander, Troop Command

– 1988 January – March Pūpūkahi pp. 4

Col. Bernard M. Watson

(Pictures from the 1991 January – March Pūpūkahi)

Col. Bernard M. Watson assumed command of the 29th Infantry Brigade (Separate) March 3, at Brigade Headquarters on 22nd Avenue.

Watson most recently commanded the Troop Command in Pearl City.

Watson was commissioned in 1966 through the Reserve Officer Training Corps at Montana State University as an engineer officer. He transferred to the U.S. Army Reserve after active duty with the U.S. Army in Vietnam and as an instructor pilot at the Army Aviation Center, Fort Stewart, Ga.

Watson joined the Hawaii Guard in 1970, serving in various company-grade positions with the 29th Brigade. He commanded Troop E (Air), 19th Cavalry, from 1977 through 1979. He then transferred to Headquarters, Command and Control Group A, and served as S2/3 until assuming command in 1980. Watson was subsequently assigned to the Headquarters, State Area Command (HQ STARC), as the assistant chief of staff, G2 (Intelligence).

He is a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and the recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (30 Oak Leaf Clusters) with “V” Device, and other awards and decorations.

As a civilian, Watson is the director of flight standards and training for the Flight Division of Hawaiian Airlines.

He was born in Honolulu and graduated from Punahou School. He and his wife, Susan, have a son and a daughter.
– 1991 January – March Pūpūkahi pp. 8

Brig. Gen. Bernard M. Watson, commander or the 29th Infantry Brigade (Separate), was frocked by Brig. Gen. Eugene S. Imai, commander of the Hawaii Army National Guard. Watson's wife, Susan, assisted Imai during the April 1 ceremony. — Brig. Gen. Bernard M. Watson, commander or the 29th Infantry Brigade (Separate), was frocked by Brig. Gen. Eugene S. Imai, commander of the Hawaii Army National Guard. Watson’s wife, Susan, assisted Imai during the April 1 ceremony.