MOAA officer receives prestigious award

Captain Walter “Bruce” Watson, Jr., USN (Ret) recently received a most prestigious award from the Royal Thai Government for his outstanding service and support during his tenure as U.S. Naval Attaché in Bangkok, Thailand from June 2005 to June 2008. 

The decoration of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant was presented to Captain Watson by the Thai Ambassador to the United States, the Honorable Don Pramudwinai, in a ceremony held at the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington D.C. in July.

Captain Watson received the award for his exemplary support of both America and Thailand during his tenure.  The citation that was read at the ceremony summarizes his performance as follows:

“Captain Watson...spearheaded opening the Port of Laem Chabang to U.S. Navy ships, to include aircraft carriers.  He also arranged for the induction into a Navy and Marine Corps history museum in California the Royal Thai Navy ship, the HTMS Nakha.  It was actions such as these, and many more, that enamored Captain Watson to the Thai people, and greatly improved relations between both countries and both Navies...

As recommended by the Royal Thai Government, in recognition of his distinguished services, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand is graciously pleased to bestow the decoration of “Commander of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant” upon Captain Walter Bruce Watson Jr., USN (Retired).

May he be blessed with health, happiness and prosperity always.”

This marked the first time the Thai government has been compelled to present an award to a U.S. Naval Attaché. 

When Captain Watson left Thailand in 2008 he never gave any thought to receiving an award.  This is why when he was invited by the Thai Naval Attaché, Captain Pichet Tanaset, who is also a good friend from his days in Thailand, to come to D.C. and receive this award he was quite surprised. 

 “I am both honored and greatly humbled, but I feel this award is also deserved by everyone who was assigned to the Defence Attaché Office in Bangkok, especially Commander Ken Porter, my former Assistant Naval Attaché,” Captain Watson said upon receiving his award.

 After the ceremony Captain Watson returned to his home in Pensacola, where he is enjoying his retirement from the Navy with his wife Huệ.