Albert Watson II

Albert Watson II
Born(1909-01-05)January 5, 1909
Mount Vernon, Illinois
DiedMarch 14, 1993(1993-03-14) (aged 84)
San Antonio, Texas
AllegianceUnited States
Service/branchUnited States Army
RankLieutenant General
CommandsUnited States Civil Administration of the Ryukyu Islands
United States Third Army
Commandant of Berlin
24th Infantry Regiment
Battles/warsWorld War II Korean War
AwardsArmy Distinguished Service Medal (2)
Legion of Merit

Albert Watson II (January 5, 1909 – March 14, 1993) was a United States Army lieutenant general. He participated in World War II and fought in a number of significant battles in the Pacific Theater, including the Battle of Okinawa. From May 1961 to January 1963, Watson served as Commandant of Berlin and commanded American military forces there when construction of the Berlin Wall began. A major diplomatic incident occurred when members of Watson's staff were refused access to East Berlin. Riots also broke out during his tenure following the death of Peter Fechter. From 1964 to 1965, Watson filled the position of Commissioner of the United States Civil Administration of the Ryukyu Islands. He increased Ryuku autonomy but ultimately spoke against the significant lessening of American administration authority in the Ryukyus. Watson received two Army Distinguished Service Medals during his career.