Vivian Warren Welch

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Vivian Warren Welch, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron TEN (VB-10), embarked from the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), during the engagement with enemy Japanese naval and air forces near the Santa Cruz Islands on 26 October 1942. On that date Lieutenant Welch maintained station over the enemy after sighting a large force of Japanese warships while conducting a search mission of his squadron, thereby furnishing information which enabled our air force to launch an effective attack. On a later date he directed his division of planes in a raid on a Japanese cruiser force, fighting through a bursting wall of antiaircraft fire in order to deliver a vigorous dive-bombing attack. Leading a second assault on the same day, he defied opposition from hostile surface craft and Zero fighters to press home an attack against a large enemy transport, maneuvering in such a manner as to make possible the infliction of heavy damage upon the vessel. Lieutenant Welch’s outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 315 (June 1943)