Department of Defense

Brigadier General 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, General 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 1 February 1977, a position he held through 12 June 1979. He was then transferred to Headquarters, Command and Control Group A, and served as the S2/3 until assuming command on 14 July 1980. General Watson transferred to Headquarters, State Area Command, on 1 November 1984 where he was assigned as G-2. He assumed command of Headquarters, Troop Command, on 6 February 1988 until his transfer to Headquarters, 29th Infantry Brigade (Separate) on 1 February 1991 as brigade commander.

General 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.

General 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.

April 1992