James B. Welsh

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to James B. Welsh (0-1823674), First Lieutenant (Armor), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Tank Company, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 18 April 1951, near Yur-hyon, Korea, Lieutenant Welsh was on a mission to retrieve three disabled tanks. When the armored column reached the vicinity of those vehicles, it came under severe small arms and machine gun fire from enemy troops entrenched on ridges around the area. Completely disregarding his own safety, Lieutenant Welsh exposed himself to enemy fire by sitting on top of the tank’s turret and firing the heavy machine gun to point out the foe’s positions to his platoon. After being wounded when the overtaxed weapon exploded, he withdrew from the action to seek medical attention and then returned to his post, enabling one tank to be retrieved. During a second enemy assault on his unit, Lieutenant Welsh was again wounded as he fearlessly led the platoon in defense of its position. Seeing his commander wounded, the tank driver became confused and began to reverse the vehicle, backing his tank toward a bank with at least a ten foot drop. Though seriously wounded Lieutenant Welsh, by courageous determination, reached the driver and stopped him in time to avert the loss of the tank and its crew. The gallantry and bravery displayed by Lieutenant Welsh reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.