General JOHN K. WATERS, received the award of the Distinguished Service Cross in 1945, although the action for which he was decorated took place near Faid Pass, Tunisia on 14 February 1943. When his small force received the full brunt of an overwhelming armored attack, he engaged the enemy in heavy fighting for several hours until all his tanks were knocked out and his position completely overrun. He personally maintained radio communications with his headquarters reporting enemy movements until his command vehicle was hit and destroyed by fire and repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to encourage and control his troops. His heroic stand enabled adjacent forces to prepare for the impending attack and the main American force in the rear to regroup. He displayed personal fearlessness, superb leadership and outstanding heroism throughout the action and until he was captured.

General Waters joined the Legion of Valor in 1963.