Joseph Harold Wellings

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Joseph Harold Wellings, Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. STRONG (DD-467), during operations in Kula Gulf, Solomon Islands, on 4 and 5 July 1943. Commanding his warship during landing operations on New Georgia island, the Strong was screening a task force during the bombardment of Japanese shore batteries and installations on Kolombangara and New Georgia Islands, British Solomon Islands. Commander Wellings’ inspiring leadership and the valiant devotion to duty of his command contributed in large measure to the outstanding success of these vital missions and reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service.