The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Gene R. Welch (ASN: 0-24409), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. On 23 February 1952, Colonel Welch voluntarily accompanied the base of fire group during an attack by his battalion on well-entrenched hostile positions on “Tombstone” Hill, near Kajanhari, Korea. As the friendly forces approached their objective, the enemy placed heavy mortar, automatic weapons and small arms fire on both the base of fire group and assault group. Disregarding the intense fire, Colonel Welch moved over the shell-torn area, directing effective individual and automatic weapons fire on the numerous hostile targets. As the assault group was engaged in vicious close combat, a large number of enemy troops was observed moving down a well concealed trench, threatening to encircle the assault group. Colonel Welch immediately called for and directed such accurate and effective artillery and tank fire on the encroaching foe that the enemy counterattack was halted and the assault unit was allowed to withdraw as planned. The presence of their Battalion Commander greatly inspired the troops and his skill in directing support fire was instrumental to the success of the mission. Colonel Welch’s gallantry reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.