The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Armor) Dennis E. Welch (ASN: OF-112749), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 27 November 1968 while serving as platoon leader with Troop C, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date Troop C and Company D, 2nd Battalion (Airmobile), 12th Cavalry were assigned to search through the village of Ap Loc Thanh. After searching this area, intelligence reports were received indicating that a suspected company of enemy soldiers were located at Loc Hoa, a larger village northeast of Ap Loc Thanh. The two American units moved into an attack formation and were crossing a creek which was the only means of access to the suspected area when the suddenly came under intensive small arms and rocket propelled grenade fire from well concealed and fortified positions. During the ensuing battle, Lieutenant Welch continuously exposed himself to the heavy enemy fire without regard for his personal safety, while directing his unit’s fires to suppress the larger enemy weapon emplacements. On numerous occasions he personally engaged enemy positions until they were eliminated. At the close of the six hour battle, the enemy positions were overrun with a body count of 58 confirmed enemy dead and many more suspected dead, while NO friendly casualties were sustained. First Lieutenant Welch’s courage was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.