Albert Watson II

Who was Albert Watson II?

Albert Watson II 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 autonomy but ultimately spoke against significant lessening of American administration authority in the Ryukyus. Watson received two Distinguished Service Medals during his career.